What teachers want parents to know

Starting school or childcare for the first time is a significant milestone for you and your child. Take comfort in the fact that your child's teacher knows that emotions will run high on these first days and potentially have even been there with their own kiddo's and will be looking out for your little one with understanding and the tools to get them through their first days and having a blast! 

Top things new entrant teachers want parents to know: 

• They are learning all the time :)  Helping your child unpack and pack up his school things for the first little while creates a routine they will learn and be able to do pretty quickly without your help. Show your little one what to do on the first day or two then ask them what they need to do each step in the following days and watch how they've learnt the start the days steps thanks to you. 
• Teachers are trained to know how to deal with clingy children. Lingering at the classroom door not only breaks your heart but prolongs the pain, most children get over it pretty quickly (sad to hear!) and teachers will look after them, often they have their own kiddo's and know what it's like for you and them :) x
• If your child can't yet tie his own laces buy shoes with Velcro fastenings. Super helpful tip! Imagine being a teacher and trying to tie 25 pairs of shoes for kids :) ha ha! 
• Help prevent nits by tying long hair back and teaching kids not to share hairbrushes or hats. Spray water mixed with a few drops of teatree oil around the ears and neckline every morning as this is a great deterrent.
• Check inside your child's school bag every day - important school notices can be buried deep inside.
• All special toys should stay at home, noone wants to loose them.
• All clothing should be labeled, including shoes and swimming togs - super helpful when searching through lost property as well :) . 

ARE YOU READY?
There are many things you can do to prepare your child for school:

• Go shopping with her a week or two before for clothing, a pencil case, drink bottle etc so she feels involved and excited about starting school.
• Do a trial run a few days before, practising getting dressed, packing her bag and opening her lunch box.
• Make sure your child knows where you will pick her up in the afternoon.
• Pack a change of clothes and spare undies in the school bag.
• Usually your little one will have heard the school bell in their lead up but if not remind them to listen out for it so they're not concerned when it rings.
• Expect a few tears - and know that this is normal and healthy and you'll both get through the first day, and the teachers are there looking after your baby! :) It can help to calm your little one to listen and remind her of all the other new things she's done that have turned out well.