School has begun again - What is Your Child Thinking?

Well, back into the routine!  

Len and I were walking our Great Pyrenees this past Tuesday, and like most days, we had the opportunity to chat with some of our neighbors' children.  Len loves to banter with them and get them to smile and, even better, watch them get a sense of increased confidence!

On Tuesday, the kids told us they were getting ready for school to start the next day.  We asked them to tell us what they were thinking about most in terms of their new school year.  One response was truly inciteful.  What our little friend told us was that he was anticipating (1) lunch; (2) recess; and (3) coming home.  Aahhhh!  What do these three things all have in common?  They all involve the times at school when the level of routine and supervision is relaxed. 

During lunch, recess, and getting ready to either be picked up or walk home or get on a school bus, children are in a position to socialize.  I bet these things are on many young minds.  Social interaction can be one of the most stressful experiences for children, and they may or may not even mention it, certainly not directly.  Apparently even in second grade, no one wants to feel inadequate.  Although this part of attending school weighs heavily on young minds, children might not actually be getting taught much about it.  Yes, schools are a lot more aware now then when we were children, and with parental involvement always, they really should teach about healthy social interaction - from the beginning. 

Whether or not the school where your children, grand-children, or young family members attend offers this valuable instruction, now is a good time to talk to your young family members about ways they can confidently self-manage these scheduled times of relaxed supervision at school.  You talking to them will enhance their confidence in and of itself and minimizes the overwhelm of the subject.  However you do it, let your little ones know you're thinking about them and you're there for them when they encounter situations that make them nervous, concerned or uncomfortable - or anything for that matter.  Here's a little help we'd like to share, (not endorse), to help you talk about social interactions at school with your child:  https://www.beginlearning.com/parent-resources/social-skills-for-kids/. There's lots of help all over the internet. Here's another for teachers that you can adapt for your use:  https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/social-emotional-learning/articles/9-ways-teach-social-skills-your-classroom.  Just to get you started!

There is just nothing more important in life than your family and your children.  So hats off to all of the families and best wishes for a great new school year!