Hearing Families

The first day of school is both exciting and stressful for many kids. There is so much anticipation and anxiety and everyone wants the first day to go well. Here are a few tips to make sure that the first day goes smoothly:

Put brand new batteries in cochlear implants or hearing aids. Nobody needs a battery problem ever – but the first day seems worse. Hopefully your child will have spare batteries at school in several different safe places – but one the first day – it might be hard to know where they are. So just to be sure – send your child with new batteries.

Talk to your child ahead of time about the plan for the first day. How will your child get to school? Where does she go then? How will she get home? Make sure that your child knows what to expect. Your child will feel more secure and in control if she knows the plan. If your child is old enough to read: write this all down for her, with phone numbers of people who will be driving your child, or with your cell phone numbers in case there is a problem.

Make sure that your child knows her teacher’s name. Make sure that your child can say: “I am in Ms. Reed’s 3^rd grade class.” This way if the hallways are filled with commotion – your child can ask for directions to the right classroom. In case of a younger child or a child less able to speak up for herself – write it down for your child and tell her to show the note to a grown-up who can help.

 If at all possible – go to visit the school building a day or two before the first day. Walk together to your child’s new classroom and help your child remember where to go. If there is a floor plan of the school, that can be useful for your child to map out where she needs to go. Where is the classroom? the bathroom? cafeteria? gym? Draw a map if there is not one.

 Remind your child that all the new kids are an opportunity to make new friends. It can feel overwhelming to enter a classroom full of new faces. But the up-side of new kids is the chance to meet new friends. Encourage your child to be friendly to other kids. Encourage your child to see if there is anyone who looks like they need a friend at recess or in the classroom.

 Put “emergency rations” in your child’s backpack. I always try to send my kids with a granola bar or bag of cereal and a boxed drink in case of emergency. Yes, for my family, lack of food can be a big deal! But for any young child, if you get too hungry, it can ruin your morning. So just in case your child’s lunch gets lost or ruined or other tragic circumstance – all will not be lost!

 Reassure your child that the first day can be hectic – and she should not worry if the first day is not so smooth. The first day is an adjustment for everyone. Its OK if it turns out to be a little stressful, especially if your child is prepared for the hectic first day and knows that things will calm down soon. Give your child a note card to write down any issues that she needs to work out. Then she can feel ok during the school day and she can bring the list to you at the end of the day to work out the kinks.

Parents: do you have any other tips? Please share them with us!

Wishing all of you a great school year!!!

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Tags: children, cochlear implant, cooperation between parents and teachers, hearing aids, hearing loss, school, teachers