Arrivals and Departures ARE Routines

Expect arrival and departure times to be transitions. Some transitions are handled better than others. In general, children resist being rushed or hurried.

Parents have all been in the situation where they are running late. The harder they push, the slower and more resistant their child becomes! Knowing this is the case, plan arrive and departure routines to accept this inevitable reality.

Let your child’s teacher know if your routine is going to change. Sometimes teachers can offset children’s real discomfort about changes in schedule by preparing them for the change.

Children know the sequence of which parent picks up first, then next, then next, and so on. If you let your teacher know, your teacher can help your child accommodate the increases time at school without going into the “waiting” mode too soon.

Develop back-up strategies before you need them and practice these routines, too. It’s going to happen - a flat tire, a car accident, a last-minute work demand that can’t be postponed. Plan now for these situations. And, don’t forget to discuss the back-up plan with your child’s teacher. Practice it once or twice before it is needed. Then everyone will know how to handle it if the plan is put into effect.

Predictable beginnings and endings to the day are important to you and your child. Children need help from you to make transition a pleasant part of their school experience.