By Sunny Simon
As I think about the youth of America returning to school, I recall a letter my mother sent me during my first week in college. Putting pen to paper was a very wise move on her part because like most college freshman, I listened to my parents’ verbal counsel with only half an ear. I cannot recall the exact advice she doled out, but I do remember reading the letter, saving it and then reading it over and over again.
The first day of school brings up all kinds of emotions for parents. You are excited as your kids embark on a new journey, and if you are being totally honest, a little sad to see them go. Perhaps you and your child prepared in advance for the big day. I remember when my niece Aisalynn was starting kindergarten. All summer long she and her little friend Anna practiced skipping naps. Why? There are no naps in kindergarten. Starting school means playing in the big leagues. Their backpacks and new Hello Kitty lunch boxes were ready for weeks waiting for the big day to arrive. These two youngsters could hardly wait for the school bell to ring.
Whether your offspring is poised in the starting blocks anxious to hit the ground running, or filled with trepidation about the transition, it is your job to send them off prepared. In addition to supplying them with pencil cases, calculators and laptops you also need to dispense some solid parental guidance. If they are starting school for the first time, talk to them about making friends by smiling and introducing themselves to other children. Keep rein over your emotions. Don’t let your kindergartener see a tear inching it’s way down your face as you part at the classroom door. It will only sadden and confuse them.
Adolescent children may need an extra dose of emotional support. Work with them by instituting a time management program to prevent oversleeping that leads to a stressful start. Encourage your pre-teen and teenage children to set goals for the school year. Create schedules for homework, outside activities and some “me” time for your child.
If you are dropping your son or daughter off at the dorm, forget the lectures. He or she probably won’t absorb it anyway. Try doing it the old fashioned way. Write a heartfelt letter. Stick to just a few pieces of sage advice, enclose it in a fun greeting card and send it snail mail. With any luck, your child might not only read it but take it to heart and incorporate your parental wisdom into college life.
Sunny Simon is the owner of Raise the Bar High Life and Career Coaching. More about Sunny at www.raisethebarhigh.com
