First Post!

Welcome to my very first blog. 

It's almost launch time for my book and I am a jumble of emotions; excited, anxious and exhausted just to name a few. It's almost like beginning school. Luckily, as a teacher I experience these feelings each and every year in January before that first school bell rings!

Embarking on any new journey will often bring these feelings to the fore, and beginning school is no exception. A new environment, routine, teacher and peers can be a confronting experience for our little ones. It can also be a time that is extremely exciting and an opportunity for positive growth and beginnings in friendship and discovery.  

Parents are not excluded from this emotional rollercoaster either as we navigate recalling the names of fellow parents and their offspring, school drop-offs, class timetables (is it sports shirt day today?) and the never-ending school lunches.

I feel like many of the same things I will be doing in the coming weeks to prepare for the release of my book; such as organising my modest warehouse area, meeting with local libraries and engaging in self-care are very similar to how I helped my son prepare for beginning school.  I'll share them below in the hopes that you will find them helpful too.

Spending time organising and labelling school materials, attending orientation days and practising new skills such as tying shoelaces or opening our lunchbox. Arranging a separate meet and greet with the teacher if your child is feeling particularly anxious is a helpful idea, or even a playdate at a familiar location with a friend who will also be in their class. Engaging in calming activities such as yoga or a nature walk, naming feelings as they arise and ensuring everyone has enough sleep can all assist in alleviating anxieties and encourage feelings of confidence and excitement regarding school readiness.

Finally, a great way to support young children in preparing for beginning school is to read a lovely story that introduces them to school routines, curriculum and all the wonder, learning and friendships they will discover - I think I know just the book!