Post 195
This is the time of year when everyone is looking ahead to summer and next year. It’s mentioned in school and also at home that your child will probably be moving to another grade and teacher. Everyone is excited and proud until suddenly it hits a lot of students…I’ll be in a different class 😳…I’ll have a different teacher 😥…Oh no!! 😩
The result of this panic very often is a regression to behaviors not seen since September. Reluctance to get on the bus, clinginess, and even acting out are all examples. Think about it. A young student has very little control over their environment and with children’s feelings what you see is what you get. They haven’t learned to hide feelings the way we adults do. So what’s the one thing they can do? Let them out…usually in a behavior that seems out of place such as crying or reluctance to do something they previously had no problem with.
We see this in school, too. I try to let the children know that even though they are in a different class they can always come and “visit’ me next year. I, of course, emphasize how smart they have become and have “learned almost all there is to learn in Kindergarten” and that First Grade will be so much fun. (I also let them know how very proud I am of them and that I love them.)
You can do the same at home. Let your little one know that you empathize with their feelings but that next year will be wonderful because they are more than ready for it. They’ve done a great job this year and you are so proud of them. Remind them that their Kindergarten (Preschool, First Grade) friends will be with them. And, of course, if there is a new playground or something else your child would enjoy involved, emphasize that! 🙂
Not all children are overly apprehensive about next year but most are a little nervous. By reassuring them that you understand and that it’s normal, you can ease any worries. And then both of you can enjoy the rest of this school year!
Take Care. 🙂
kindergarten23 