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Like many parents out there my 4 year old son starts Prep (big school) this Monday and is ready to embark on the next exciting phase of his life. Your child’s first day of school brings with it a myriad of emotions as it signifies the time when your child is becoming less reliant on mum & dad and that much more independent. For those parents who are wondering how their children will handle going to ‘big’ school this year, your child’s life lesson number holds the key.
To calculate your child’s life lesson number simply add together all the numbers in their date of birth then reduce that number to a single digit. For example if your child is born on 23 May 2007 you add 2 + 3 + 5 + 2 + 0 + 0 + 7 = 19. 1 + 9 = 1 in this example your child is a life lesson 1.
Here’s a guide to how your child will handle their first year at school:
Ones – these children will be positive, active and enthusiastic about beginning school. They will settle in quickly, will be popular and will fit in quite well this year. They tend to be confident and busy children so will no doubt be more than ready for this new chapter in their life. Set expectations early and be on time to keep things running smoothly. Make sure you label all their school items as they might be too busy to remember where they put everything.
Twos – they are sensitive children who are more likely to be put off or upset by things. They may cling to mum on their first day so be firm but encourage them. There may be some disruptions so parents will need to be prepared for upsets or some ups & downs until they adjust. Stress can affect them this year so avoid it wherever possible and even mum’s tension can unsettle them. Introduce them early to their teacher and reassure them that you will back to pick them up in the afternoon.
Threes – these children will be in their element this year. They are social creatures who love interacting with other kids and learning new things. Talk about school well before they get there and encourage them to talk about their daily experiences. With all the new information they’ll be learning it’s important to make sure they get to bed early and have adequate sleep. Keep everything fun & light-hearted this year and don’t be too heavy or restrictive with them. Fours – make sure you plan the day out and let them know where things are and who to go to if they need help. The more preparation for them the better and maybe even get Dad to take them on their first day. Establish a clear routine and stick to it so that you are on time and don’t need to rush. Sleep is especially important for them this year and also talk to them about any dreams their having. Fours are physical kids so make sure they drink plenty of water. New experiences can take some time to adjust to so encourage them talk to you about their fears and worries also.
Fives – starting school should be a positive experience all round for these children. You’ll need to reinforce that it’s a positive step and affirm that they will love school and will make lots of new friends. Watch their dietary intake for the day and don’t give them anything that will hype them up or overfill them. Keep them active, interested and encouraged all the way and make sure they burn off that excess energy before bed time. After school activities are a good thing for them this year.
Sixes – make sure your child looks and feels great (especially on their first day) as it will help them immensely. Tell them how much you love them and how proud you are of them starting school. Let them have time to connect with other children and don’t rush them. Encourage their independence and avoid lengthy goodbyes or it will get too mushy.
Sevens – be prepared for anything with these children as the littlest thing can put them off. Be patient and give yourself plenty of time to avoid unnecessary stress or tension. Give your child lots of positive reinforcement and tell them they are good / smart. A good sleep the night before is essential and try to avoid television or hyper-activity in the morning before they start school. Make sure they have a good breakfast and listen carefully to what they say.
Eights – you’ll need to set expectations early on and tone them down if necessary. These children want to assert themselves early on and may unsettle others. Remind them that now they are at ‘big’ school they have to listen to their teacher and work as part of a team with other children. They need good understanding and support from parents and make sure they are not stuck for anything when they arrive. Preparation is the key for these children.
Nines – tears, emotions and worries can affect these sensitive children so take your time and prepare them beforehand. Telling them positive stories about what to expect or of your experiences can help also. They are more likely to have a cry on their first day so give them a cuddle and reassure them, then be on your way. This year should be a positive experience for them all round once they get over the initial start.
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