After a year of school at home, the start of school this year is going to be an especially big deal for almost all families whether they have a kindergartner, first grader, middle schooler, or high schooler. Therefore, posts for all of August and September will be about back-to-school issues.

Let’s consider the losses that go along with starting kindergarten.

School is different from daycare.  It requires more attention to planned activities. It does not allow for having your favorite things with you all day. When my children went off to kindergarten, I remember making a list of all the things they had to give up: Pacifier, blanket, loved stuffed animal, favorite daytime show on TV, favorite toys, friends from daycare. Adults can help children with these losses. They can show them how they can count on those important pleasures when they are home from school.  For example,

• Assure them that their special things and favorite toys will be in their usual place waiting for their return home.
• Capture a favorite TV show on the DVR for watching together at home.
• Plan special one-on-one time with mom or dad in the evening.
• Arrange for playtime with a missed friend after school.