Click here to listen to Episode 47 – Snapshots
Tuesday morning started off with one of our family’s oldest traditions – the first day of school photo in front of our house. There is only one child left for the photo, as my others are both off at college, but I quietly cheered last night when she reminded me that we needed to get the shot. Standing next to her this morning I flashed back on 15 years of first day photos – initially me with the two older children, then there were three of us for a number of years, and then back to two, and now, just one.
Looking back at the photos, I am always struck by the myriad emotions that are evident among each of us – clearly there are high levels of excitement and anticipation, and yet also, every year, there is very clearly visible nervousness. The first day of school is always a big moment, whether it’s your child’s first day at Hillbrook or they are returning for their tenth year. First days are challenging, as we strive to learn new routines and find our place in a new order. We enter with so many questions – will I know where to go at different points during the day? Will I be able to find my classroom, the bathroom, the pick-up spot at the end of the day? What will I do during recess? Will I have food during lunch? Will I know what to do for homework tonight? Will I find friends?
As parents, we have our own set of questions, mostly variations on our children’s questions but with the added challenge of knowing that we are worried about their experience – not our experience, and, in the end, we cannot manage every part of the situation for them. As parents, particularly in the earliest years, this may be one of the first times where we are fully placing our trust in other adults to care for our children for an extended period of the day.
That is a big step, and something that we – as a team at Hillbrook – never take for granted. We know that you are placing your trust in us, that you have chosen Hillbrook to partner with you in your children’s educational journey. We spend a great deal of time preparing for your children’s arrival, paying attention to everything from transportation to food service, from playground equipment to classroom materials. Just as importantly, our exceptional teachers and staff are focused on ensuring your child feels welcomed and supported from the first moment they arrive on campus.
As we embark on these first few weeks of the school year, I have a few thoughts that I hope will help with your child’s and your family’s transition:
- Look to establish routines early on – Create a consistent bedtime and morning routine. A predictable schedule can help children feel secure and ensure they get enough sleep. Laying clothes out the night before and making sure their bags are packed, for example, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
- Work with your child to designate a workspace in the afternoon and evening – For older students, a quiet, comfortable, and well-lit space for homework and study helps to establish good habits early in the year.
- Be patient. The opening weeks of school can be exhausting. Children will do all they can to hold it together at school, and then arrive home and, at least on some days, fall apart. Mood swings and big emotions are not uncommon. Often the most important thing we can provide as a parent is not to try to solve their problems, but just create space for them to have those big emotions and know they can be safe with us.
We are so eager to welcome your children to Hillbrook this year. Know that we, like your children, are full of anticipation, excitement and, yes, a little bit of nervous energy. It is a new moment for all of us. In the weeks ahead, I hope you find opportunities to engage with us and celebrate the extraordinary educational experience that lies ahead, and also know that all of us – your child’s teachers, the Division Heads, the school counselors, the many other adults, and I are here to support you along the way.
And, from one parent to another, find a moment to take that photo in the first few days of the school year. The days are long, but the years are short. Savor these moments as much as you can.