Kids often struggle with transitions and going to school is one of the most common.
Because they are having to shift modes and mindsets AND separate from us, the process of feeling willing to go and get ready can be emotional some days.
In my house Mondays are markedly the hardest.
Remember to hold the boundary, make sure there isn't an underlying need to be addressed, offer comfort and then ride the wave of emotion until the calm settles and you can get moving.
If you don't have enough time, you may have to make compromises (yes you can wear the dirty shirt, or eat cereal in the car etc) ,but stay compassionate even if you have to push to get to the next phase.
As parents, we want to protect our children from harm, but threats of violence may not be the best way to do so. Instead, we can be a refuge and a barrier for our children, offering comfort and support in times of need.
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In this video, learn why it's important to focus on soothing and supporting kids' emotions before trying to teach them, as strong emotions take energy away from the brain's thinking and processing areas, and how you can use co-regulation and language to help them grow once they've calmed down. Remember to "Connect before you correct," as Dr. Karyn Purvis said.
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In this video, Dr. Laura Markham shares practical tips on how to help kids and parents manage boredom by staying in a place of compassionate teaching, which involves expressing empathy, helping kids notice body sensations, developing the habit of seeing boredom as an unidentified need state, being patient, and teaching kids to discover their own options without collapsing into despair.
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