For some children it is a simple fact of life; instead of sharing all of their special moments with mom and dad, they share them with their nanny.
If parents have work that forces them to be out of the house and without their children at special occasions, they can still ensure that the kids know that they love them and care about their milestones.
The first day of school is, for some children, one of these momentous occasions. Particularly for students starting kindergarten or 1st grade, or for kids starting a new school.
One thing parents can do is be home in the morning to see their children off. If you can't be home when the kids are heading out the door, try to see them at some point in the morning so that they can physically see you and hear you tell them how proud and excited you are for them.
If seeing them isn't an option, make a display of how you feel. Leave them a note that clearly expresses your feelings about their big day.
Have breakfast ready for them when they wake up to show them that it matters to you that they have a great start to their big day. You can pack their lunch for them as well and place a second note in their lunch bag. This way they will be reminded during the day that you are excited for them and they will feel as though you are thinking of them even though you aren't together.
If your child has a cell phone, send them a text at some point in the day. Even if they don't carry it on them at school (which they shouldn't), they will appreciate it when they see it at the end of the day.
See them or talk to them as soon as possible when school is finished for the day. It is important that they know you are aware of the time and what they are doing.
Ask them about their first day but don't just say "What did you do today?" Ask them how they felt when the bell rang for the first time, how they felt to be eating lunch at school, how many names they've learned in the first day. Be descriptive with your questions so that they'll be descriptive with their answers.
If your children are distraught that you aren't the one taking them to school on the first day, don't emphasize the nanny's role. Instead, tell your child how sorry you are and that you realize it isn't ideal but you will be in touch as much as possible throughout the day. If it works, pull out your pen and paper; you may be writing a lot more lunch bag letters as the school year progresses.
Lindsey Salloway - Where to begin...I love to write! I love to write about anything and everything. I enjoy everything about it; the thought that goes into ...
