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How are you feeling: Enthusiastic? Apprehensive? No matter how much we might wish it weren't so, our children pick up a great deal from what we say, and from what we do.
If you're excited and positive at his beginning school, your enthusiasm will most likely become part of your child's experience. By the same token, your worries and feelings of anxiety will be transferred to him, too. If you express concern about this separation from your child or about the teacher, take care that your child doesn't overhear.
Remember that it's sometimes difficult to sort out who isn't letting go of whose hand at the schoolhouse door. If you're sure that it's your child and not you, aim to provide her with a good breakfast, plenty of sleep each night, healthy snack in hand, and a reminder about what she has to look forward to after the school day.
Give your child a picture of you to keep in her supply box, write love notes in her snack bags, and reassure her about what time you will be back for her.
Next: Celebrate the New Year!
More on: Preparing for Preschool
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