DaddyScrubs Founder, Mr. Daddy (Robert Nickell), Draws From His Own Experience To Help Make The Back-To-School Transition Go Smoothly
Having trouble getting your child excited to head back to school? Mr. Daddy, a.k.a. Robert Nickell, has been there too, and he has some expert advice to share with you.
Nickell is the writer of a weekly parenting blog where he writes on topics such as bonding with your child, and what the father should expect during pregnancy and infancy. He writes from a father’s perspective and keeps dad engaged throughout his children’s lives.
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Nickell is also the founder of DaddyScrubs, a line of fashionable hospital attire for the expectant father to wear during labor and delivery. He is the father of six children, and his practiced advice has been heard on TV and radio shows around the country. Having dealt with back-to-school anxiety in his own children, Mr. Daddy happily shares his professional advice with you on how to smooth out those back to school jitters.
Soon enough the bell will ring and your child will be back to school. As they transition from playtime to reading time, from friends to new faces, your children might be feeling some apprehension about starting the new school year. The following are some strategies that will not only ease your child back into the routine of school, but may also actually bring some excitement towards the new school year.
CNN’s John Roberts
1. Preparing for school starts long before September rolls around. Make sure you and your child review all paperwork from the school together. Give your child as much information as you have - the teacher's name, the classroom number, other students on the class list, etc. You might want to review the school calendar for important dates as well as visit the school building if you are able to. A familiar environment is not as intimidating and your child will feel much more comfortable if they know where the classroom, bathroom and lunchroom are located.
2. Begin your school routine several days before school actually starts. Don’t wait until the night before school to suddenly have a set bedtime or wake-up time. Give your child at least three days to get his/her clock back in rhythm. This should make waking up to catch the bus easier on everybody.
3. Involve your child in school decisions. Together, decide where your child will keep their backpack, do their homework and keep important information. If possible, do school supplies shopping together allowing your child to choose their folders and notebooks. If the school requires certain supplies, let your child choose a special lunch box or “at home” folder. This will give your child something to be excited about.
4. Talk to your child. Engage in normal conversation, as well as directed conversation about their worries and concerns. Listen to them with open ears. Don’t belittle their fears. Encourage them that what they are feeling is normal and that the anxieties will go away. Children who feel comfortable talking with their parents about their concerns, needs and ideas will enter new situations with more ease as well as have a stronger more open relationship with their parents.
5. Be positive. Your attitude will be contagious. If you are excited and encouraging, your child will feel more comfortable and will begin to feel excited as well. Remind them of the fun they will have and the friends they will make. Talk positively about school at all times using upbeat and encouraging words. Your child trusts you; the more positive you are, the better your child will feel.
These tips may be reprinted when credited to Robert Nickell, Mr. Daddy and Daddyscrubs.com
To learn more about Mr. Daddy or to read additional blogs, visit blog.daddyscrubs.com. Visit DaddyScrubs.com to view apparel and gift items.
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