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"Geting Ready to Leave The Nest"

I have twin girls who will be ready for preschool shortly. They have no trouble separating from me when I leave them with their grandparents or babysitters, so I do not think this will be an issue when they begin school. Both of them are looking forward to going. They are excited about all the toys and equipment that the school has that we don’t. Since I think they will be OK with leaving me, is there anything else I can do to make the transition to school easier for them?

A big part of the preschool experience for children is making that separation from the parents day after day for extended periods of time. Additionally, in preschool children practice other independence skills ritualistically. They are required to hang up their own coats, put their lunch or snack away, wash their hands with minimum assistance, use the toilet on their own, and put their coat on and off with little assistance. Start now to work on some of these basic skills at home, if your children do not have them. This will help make the first days in preschool easier for them.

As a teacher in the public school system, I usually have a week free at the Christmas holidays. We have four children – a child who is six months old, a three year old, and twins who will turn five shortly. This past year, the whole family drove five hours each way to spend the holidays with both sets of our in-laws. It was quite hectic since we went back and forth during the week between the two homes. I was worn out when we returned and I felt like all I did was drive. My wife was also exhausted. Both sets of parents are healthy and I see no reason why they could not visit us instead. I also think it would be nice for the children to have a chance to play with their gifts at home and not be running around visiting relatives all week. This is a tradition we had established, but am I being selfish not to want to do this again next year?

Time for a new tradition. Driving all that way with one child would be challenging enough, but taking four children that distance could not have been a “vacation” for you or your wife. Now is the time to speak to both sets of parents and tell them that next year you would like them to visit you.

See if you can arrange to have one set come for the weekend before the actual holiday. Plan on spending the week you have off alone with just your wife and children and ask the other parents to visit for the weekend after the holiday. If you don’t have room in your home to put them up for the weekend or don’t feel comfortable doing so, when you talk with them about this, offer to make hotel arrangements for them when the time draws near. If they decline your suggestions, tell them that you will plan on visiting them when you have more time and when it will be more of a vacation for you.

My four year old struggles to get his jacket on day after day and becomes so frustrated. He wants to do it by himself. Is there an easy way to help him out without taking over?

Yes. Lay the coat on the floor with the collar or hood facing towards your child’s feet. Have the lining of the jacket facing upward. If you have him bend down and place one arm into each sleeve, he can flip it over his head and it will be on his body the correct way. Try this yourself first, it is easier to do than it is to explain.


Please send questions to RAISE ‘EM RIGHT™, P.O. Box 831, Carlisle, MA 01741 or e-mail to RAISEEMRIGHT@aol.com.

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The March 2007 Edition of the Valley Patriot
The Valley Patriot is a Monthly Publication.
All Contents (C) 2007, Valley Patriot, Inc.
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