Your child cried hot tears when dropping him off at kindergarten? This first return to school may seem painful, but it shouldn’t last. Our advice to reassure your child for the following days.
This first day of kindergarten is a major event in the lives of toddlers. This important step can seem impressive for children, who very often, weep hot tears when the parents leave them in class with their little friends, whom they do not yet know. “Lenny couldn’t stop crying when I left him this morning. However, we had prepared him by explaining to him that he was going to go back to school, like his big brothers, but he was inconsolable, and we we had to leave“, says Sarah. Parents often tend to worry throughout the day. But rest assured, the little ones adapt very quickly to the new teacher, to the activities and to their little friends, whether they will very quickly look forward to finding the next few days. So don’t worry about knowing he is lost and confused, and even less about the idea of living the same situation every morning… all this is normal and temporary , at least until the All Saints holidays Our advice to reassure your child for the next few days.
Why crying on the first day of kindergarten is banal and communicative?
To begin with, you should know that as a general rule, even if some are more comfortable than others, most little kindergarten kids cry on the first day (especially in small section). 1,2,3… 10? You don’t remember (because you were too busy consoling yours), but it’s highly likely that half of his comrades were crying this morning too! Besides, it must not have escaped yours, which could quite simply have been taken by this morning emotional overflow.
Why did my child cry hot tears on the first day of school?
Whatever the mode of care that the child has known the past year (nanny, crèche, etc.), it is normal for him to be torn between several feelings : the excitement of becoming “big”, but also the apprehension of being in a community, in an unknown place and among faces he has never seen. Especially since this morning, back to school requires, parents were invited to accompany their children directly to class. But imagine what it’s like for a little one 1m tall to find himself surrounded by these invading “giants” in a few minutes… No doubt he was impressed!
Parental stress can also worry children the day of the return to school. Remember that children perceive all your mood swings. Maybe despite appearances, you were a little (or just a little bit) anxious this morning, especially at the time of the separation. And that, he/she was able to feel it and become anxious in turn… For you too, it’s a stage. Your child is growing up and it is normal for this to affect you. So, for tomorrow morning, take a deep breath so as not to communicate your stress.
Our advice to reassure your child the next school days
Start by trusting the mistress! Crying is (also) her job. And above all, she is there to ensure the well-being of the little ones. She knows the words by heart to reassure them! For your part, don’t hesitate to share your concerns with her if this persists… And of course, let her know right now if there have been any family changes or events that could be a source of anxiety (moving, arrival of a little brother, separation of parents, etc.).
On the evening of the start of the school year, take the time to discuss with your child, to ask him to tell you about his day emphasizing the positive sides. Has he made any friends? What pleased him? What activities and games did he do? Has he discovered new things?… So many novelties that he will be eager to experience again the following days.
And tomorrow, we play the “cool mom” and we do not speak of the tears of the day before.
We leave him in the schoolbag his comforter or a small object that reminds him of the house.
We give a quick kiss (quick, we said) and we state the magic formula, namely: who picks him up and when / where you find him in the evening. This is to remind him that you are not going to abandon him today, even if you work away from school. And that, of course, you will come back!