Back to School Advice

I always get excited when school starts. I remember when I was in grade school and how excited it felt laying out my NEW back to school outfit the night before as well as my NEW backpack full of freshly sharpened pencils, paper, notebooks and brand new folders. It was all mine! My path was clear and after a quick kiss to Mom and Dad, I was off. There was a buzz in the air as the new year began.
I felt the buzz again this week - but in a different way. We toured my daughter's T/TH preschool tonight and next week she and her brother will be at their respective "schools". We've had college girls nannying for the past year and a half so I want to arm the kids with a good transition plan. I know that both of them "panic" when I leave them with a babysitter these days and definately want me with them. I hung out with Marie Vukin this week (our Project Play Director) and she gave me very helpful advice:

• Use a calendar to mark the dates when kids will be going to school - this makes time concrete
• Read the book The Kissing Hand and follow what the characters to in the book to ritualize the good-bye
• Create a special greeting when you see each other
• Pinpoint something that will excite her/him about going to school (i.e. "When you get there you're going to have time to play dress-up!")
• Let child know when you will be picking her/him up (i.e. "After lunch, you'll take a nap and then I'll be there to pick you up.")

I am so excited to have Project Play apart of Trike. Marie is a remarkable resource for our community and I'm thrilled that she will be teaching the Baby Buds class (0-36 mo.) Monday's from 10:30-11:30am and the Great Pretenders class (3yr-6yr) on Wednesdays from 10:30-11:30am. If you are interested in taking one of these classes but M/W does not work in your schedule -please let us know. We are interested in your feedback so that we can offer classes at the time when you can come. I know that we are already planning on a Saturday 4-week class for those parents who work full-time during the week.

Happy beginning of school to all the Moms and Dads out there. I'll be bringing the kids to Marie's Monday class - can't wait to see you there!