How is your child feeling about going back to school?
DS is 6 and will be starting first grade on Sept. 4. He keeps saying how he wishes he never had to go back to school, he wants it to be summer forever. I always loved summer as a kid (what kid doesn't, right?), so I see it as somewhat understandable, but it's definitely a different attitude than he had about starting kindergarten. He wasn't necessarily chomping at the bit to start K, but he was definitely curious, and maybe a little indifferent. He had a good kindergarten year, but it was full day (9-4, 5 days a week) and it tired him out a little. If I had to guess, I think that constant-ness of Mon-Fri, all day is what he's dreading.
Anyway, I was wondering how other kids are feeling about going back to school? I'm letting DS's "I never want to go back to school" comments ride for now, but is there anything you do to help your child get excited/feel prepared/lessen their anxiety?
Re: How is your child feeling about going back to school?
DS (2nd) says: I'm feeling pretty good about it.
DD (7th) says: Ambivalent. Happy to see my friends again, but the summer has been pretty short. I'ts been a fun summer, though. Not looking forward to homework.
In past years, in the weeks leading up to the start of school, I always get a mix of "Ooh, I'm so excited, I can't wait for school" and "Ugh. Do I have to go back to school?"
Kids have a love-hate relationship with school. Just because you're hearing more of the "hate" part of his feelings as summer draws to a close doesn't mean that the love isn't there!
My twins are 5! My baby is 3!
DS#2 - Allergic to Cashew, Pistachio, Kiwi
DS#3 - Allergic to Milk, Egg, Peanut, Tree Nuts and Sesame
My daughter is going into the 5th grade in September and she thinks she's hot stuff because, after all, after fifth grade comes sixth, which means she'll be in middle school and to her, that's grown-up. She's excited and I think she's scared. She likes school and is a good student. I think she'll do fine, but she's already obsessing over the stresses that comes with fifth grade and preparing for junior high.
One thing I've always done with her to ease any nervousness or get her excited is take her shopping for back-to-school clothes, taking special care to pick out just the right outfit she will wear on the first day. We've done this from kindergarten up until now, and I hope to do it until she goes to college. To me, feeling good on the outside makes you feel good on the inside, and that's what I think a really special outfit can do. It's a confidence booster, and it's a bonding experience.
My son isn't starting school yet, but I'd like to continue the tradition with him as well!
~The Bouncing Souls