🗓 To ease a toddler’s nervousness about going again to college, assist them perceive what to anticipate. As Daniel Tiger sings, “When we do something new, let’s talk about what we’ll do.” Remind them that “grown-ups come back” [at the end of the school day] — they usually can share their new experiences in school with their family members. –Mallory Mbalia, director of studying and training at Fred Rogers Productions, producers of the TV present Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
❓Talk to your baby about how they could deal with difficult conditions, even when they don’t seem to be seemingly to occur. For instance, in case your son is frightened about getting misplaced in a brand new college, assist him drawback remedy by making a plan about what he would do if that did occur so he feels extra ready and assured. —Leah Orchinik, pediatric psychologist
👋 Make up a particular goodbye ritual collectively. Morning goodbyes might be difficult. But you may create every day recollections your baby will cherish for years to come. Say, “See you later, alligator! In a while, crocodile!”, do a particular handshake or take pleasure in an extra-long hug. You also can kiss your baby’s palm after which maintain one another’s fingers tightly to “seal it in.” Tell your baby to keep in mind they’ll carry your kiss with all of them day lengthy, they usually can do the identical for you! —Jeanette Betancourt, Sesame Workshop
☕️ Fill their connection cup earlier than and after college. Even when you’re drained within the morning, set that alarm for 15 minutes earlier so you may have a snuggle session together with your baby. Read a ebook collectively. Have breakfast collectively. When you decide them up from college, bear in mind they are going to want one other connection cup top-up. Sometimes they are going to present with this after-school meltdown as a result of they’re so depleted. —Vanessa Lapointe, writer of Discipline with out Damage
🧭 Make certain your baby is aware of how to navigate their world in tech-free methods. Even in case your baby has a smartphone, be certain that they know what to do in the event that they’re approached by a stranger, how to get assist for an harm and different avenue smarts. Help isn’t all the time a button away. —Leah Plunkett, writer of Sharenthood
💡 Discuss household or classroom conflicts together with your baby. Have a every day dialog subject resembling, “What’s been a good or hard part about your day?” or “What rules do we need to help everyone feel loved and respected?” Then have a weekly dialogue to maintain issues on monitor and make children a part of problem-solving. —Thomas Lickona, writer of How to Raise Kind Kids
📣 Pour constructive phrases of affirmation into your kids each day. For instance, “I love you. I’m proud of you. It’s going to be a great day. It’s OK to make mistakes.” Parents can depart notes inside their baby’s lunch bins. Or I’ve had dad and mom ask me to write a sticky notice on their baby’s desk for them. These messages permit a child to really feel highly effective and assured all through the day. —Jarod Renford, first grade trainer in Washington, D.C.
The digital story was edited by Malaka Gharib. The visible editor is Beck Harlan. We’d love to hear from you. Leave us a voicemail at (202) 216-9823, or e-mail us at LifeKit@npr.org.
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