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The new school year brings some big life changes for many families who have young children. Deciding to enroll your child in a preschool program is most likely their first formal experience with other children. This is no light topic and not always an easy decision. With so many options to choose from when it comes to early learning programs, it can be a confusing and frustrating time. On the flip side, it can be an exciting and joyous time getting your child ready for this new life experience. When families have older children the younger ones have somewhat of an idea of what to expect and that evolves around new school clothes, shoes, backpacks, etc. When your child is the only one their fear of the unknown may be a bit greater. They have no real idea what new adventure they will be embarking on, so butterflies are fluttering in their tummies.
I am so happy with our group this year! The beginning of the school year is always a mix of excitement and joy for the new school season, but it is also wrapped with anxieties about the unknown! Transitioning from home life to school life is not always an easy journey for some little people, and they express their emotions readily. For others, it is an easier transition. Children are people with their own unique personalities and a jar full of complex emotions they are tapping into every day. For your child to understand their emotions they have to experience all those feelings and be allowed to work through them. As they work through their emotions they will learn how to manage them and take a giant step in their developmental journey to becoming more and more independent. This independence can be a wonderful and expected thing for many parents, yet it can also signal that your precious child is not an infant, baby, or toddler anymore. Those first and deeply special years have gone and your child is now a little person ready to find out what friends are all about. They are ready to practice their social skills and learn about the world away from home.
Supporting your child’s early learning journey communicates that you trust your child to be away from home and interacting on their own with new people. The support you give your child lets them know you trust them and you believe in them. Reassuring your child that this transition to school life is okay and you know they can do it is the cheerleading they need to take those first and hesitant big steps. Parents, you will always be the center of your child’s universe. You will always be that sturdy floor beneath their feet. Having consistent and positive goodbye routines helps your child feel loved, respected, and assured that you know what is best for them. It takes time for some children to acclimate to a new environment. We must not forget that the young children in preschool now are children who have been isolated far more than any other group due to COVID-19. These new life experiences are a bit harder for some because they have not had the natural and multiple social interactions that normally occur when not in a pandemic.
My goal is for your child to feel comfortable, safe, and happy at Marigold. I also want them to feel free to express their deep and complex emotions. When they are sad, frustrated, or angry, they should be able to express those feelings and know that it is okay to have them. We praise happiness and all its forms, so we must be okay with sadness as well. None of us, I would say, wants to see a child sad and frustrated with this transition from home life to school life, but it is okay and healthy for your child to express how they are feeling with this big life change. I have confidence in each of your children. I know the children having some separation anxiety now, will work through those feelings and find that the friends looking at them are kind, giving, and empathetic people. I love watching your child go from tears of hesitation to huge giggles of joy. Your child is a person and I respect they all have feelings that must be expressed in their own way and time. I just encourage those of you going through this difficult transition to please not give up on your child. Please keep supporting them and helping them with this developmental milestone.
The Marigold School of Early Learning will always be a school that loves and respects your child. If at any time I observe and come to the conclusion your child really does not enjoy being here and is not adjusting well, I will communicate that to you. We can continue to give your child time or we can decide that your child may need to wait another year before entering preschool. And of course, your child may just need a more structured learning environment rather than a Reggio Emilia-inspired school where your child has far more autonomy. I would like to think we could wait a year and try again because I am biased about my school. I feel my school has much more to offer your child with this approach to early education. Just know that I am here for you and want to work with all of you to make sure your child’s learning experiences here at Marigold are happy, magical, supportive, and empathetic. You all are a part of this community and every child adds their unique special qualities that we just cannot do without. So, If your child is struggling right now, please do not give up on them. They will get through this life transition. If you feel we need to meet in person, or email, or whatever way you feel most comfortable talking about your child’s difficulties with starting school please know I am available to offer as much support and educational and developmental advice as I can. Ms. Heidi
The Marigold School of Early Learning 