Tips for a Successful School Year
We had the incredible opportunity to spotlight our First Day Feels Kindergarten Readiness Kit on Fox 5 News! 📺 It was such a fantastic experience, and we’re thrilled to have the chance to help more families prepare their little ones for a successful start to the school year.
Whether your child is about to step into their first day of kindergarten or has already begun their journey, our kit is designed to help them feel prepared, confident, and ready to thrive. 🌟 We believe in setting children up for success, and our kit is packed with tools and activities that make big transitions smoother.
Watch the segment here: ParentingEQ on Fox 5 Morning News
In addition to our kit, here are some expert tips to help build essential skills for a successful school year for kids of all ages:
Practice Self-Regulation when kids are calm:
Work on self-regulation techniques when kids are calm so they feel comfortable using them when upset. Build these practices into daily routines, like before breakfast or dinner, or even while driving in the car. Start with a simple breathing exercise and encourage your child to come up with their own calming ideas.Model Emotional Vocabulary:
Use "I feel" messages to express your own emotions, like "I felt so frustrated when someone cut me off today" or "I felt so proud that I exercised today." This teaches kids that all feelings are okay—even the uncomfortable ones—and helps them understand that it’s what we do with our emotions that truly matters.Empower Problem-Solving:
Encourage your child to solve their own problems by asking your child to come up with at least two possible solutions when they face a challenge. Ask guiding questions like “What do you think you can do? How could you handle this differently?” This not only fosters independence but also boosts their confidence. When we solve problems for them, we unintentionally send the message that they can’t do it on their own.Teach the Power of “Yet”:
Remind your child regularly about the power of "yet"—that they might not be able to do something yet, but with effort and perseverance, they will get there. Emphasize that mistakes are opportunities to learn. This cultivates a growth mindset, encourages them to embrace challenges, and helps them see that setbacks are a natural and essential part of learning and success.
We hope these tips help make this school year a positive and successful experience for your child.