Whether you have a school-aged child or not, the start of a new school affects us all. Summer activities and camps come to an end, the weather starts changing, and some children you have at home, are gone for the day and leave the little ones at home with the caregiver. It is just different and it takes some adjusting. So how do we help children adapt to a changing schedule with little to no setbacks?
No matter how much they may fight, terrorize, or annoy each other, siblings in their younger years especially are truly each other’s best friends. They spend endless amounts of time together and always naturally gravitate toward each other.
So, it is no surprise that when school comes around and a younger sibling is left at home or at a daycare by themselves while the older sibling must go to school, this is not an easy adjustment. This often brings about tears, sadness, and much confusion. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to ease these negative emotions.
8 tricks to Help Your Toddler Adjust to Their Older Sibling Going to School
TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT THE UPCOMING CHANGES BEFORE THEY HAPPEN
This will help your child understand what is going to happen and give them time to prepare themselves for the adjustment.
BUY YOUR YOUNGER CHILD SOME SCHOOL SUPPLIES TOO
Having school supplies to match their older sibling can help to still create a sense of togetherness. At times when they might be upset, remind your child that they can use their pens and pencils at home too, just like their older sibling!
BRING YOUR CHILD TO OPEN HOUSE EVENTS
When a younger child actually sees the classroom and where their older sibling is spending their time, this helps your child to further comprehend what their sibling is doing and understand the adjustment. This will also prepare them for their own time at school.
ARRANGE PLAYDATES FOR YOUR CHILD WITH KIDS THEIR OWN AGE
This will help them to get adjusted to spending time with kids their age rather than older siblings, and also distract them from any feelings of missing their sibling.
DO ONE-ON-ONE ACTIVITIES WITH YOUR CHILD
This is not only a good distraction, but makes your child feel special. Color together, play some outdoor educational games, go to the park, and focus your attention directly on your child. If you need some fun ideas, my blog has several examples of different one-on-one activities that your younger child will absolutely love!
CHANGE ANY SAD THOUGHTS TO POSITIVE THOUGHTS
At times when your child is feeling sad, help them to switch those thoughts from the negative to the positive. Instead of them thinking, “I miss my brother or sister,” help them to think instead, “I get to see my brother or sister really soon and show them my new craft!”
READ BOOKS ABOUT THE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE TOGETHER
There are plenty of fun children’s books out there that discuss what it’s like to go to school. Read these with your younger child and explain that that is what their older sibling is doing when they go to school. This will also help them understand what their older sibling is experiencing while they are away from home and lessen any confusion.
HAVE THE OLDER SIBLING SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH THEIR YOUNGER SIBLING
When your older child gets home, have them spend some quality time with their younger sibling. Explain to the older sibling that their younger sibling really missed them and would love some quality time together.
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