Dealing with First-Day Jitters

First-Day Jitters: Preparing for the Big DayIn this episode of Around the Kinder Campfire, the Chadwick School Kindergarten Team helps families prepare for the first day of school. We cover practical first-day logistics and welcome Village Counselor Ms. Marisa Ryan for a conversation about supporting children—and ourselves—through the emotions of this big transition.In this episode, you'll hear about:Getting Ready for the First DayPreparing for the WeatherCarpool & DismissalFirst-Day Jitters with Ms. RyanVillage Counselor Marisa Ryan, LCSW, joins the kindergarten team to talk about the emotional side of starting school.Drawing from her experience in schools and her background in trauma-informed care and diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ms. Ryan discusses:Why first-day anxiety is completely normalDifferent ways children may show anxiety, including tummy aches, headaches, and repeated questionsThe importance of parents checking in with their own anxietyHow children can "borrow" confidence from their parentsPreparing as much as possible the night beforeResponding to children's worries without unintentionally making the anxiety biggerCommunicating confidence while acknowledging that something new can feel trickyReminding children that there are safe, supportive adults at schoolBuilding a Bridge Between Home & SchoolMs. Ryan introduces the idea of transitional objects—small reminders that help children feel connected to home while they're at school.The First-Day GoodbyeOne of the biggest takeaways from the episode:Keep the goodbye short, predictable, and confident.The team discusses:Why lingering can sometimes increase a child's anxietyWhat to do if your child criesTrusting teachers to support children through difficult momentsGiving children a confident message that they are safe and capableRemembering that a messy or emotional first day does not mean you've done something wrong as a parentThe team also explains an unusual feature of the first day at Chadwick: kindergarten families will have two goodbyes—one at the classroom door and another after the dolphin-hat exchange.Coming Up NextEpisode 3: Starting Our Story in KindergartenThe team will explore how children begin their kindergarten journey and how Camp KINDergarten sets the stage for the year ahead.CreditsAround the Kinder Campfire is recorded on Chadwick School's beautiful 45-acre campus on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.Theme music: The Chadwick School Core Values Song, written by Jasmine Love, arranged by Charla Gae, orchestrated by Richard Babcock, and performed by Abishai Smith.Special thanks to Abishai Smith for sound engineering assistance.We're so glad you're part of our Camp KINDergarten journey. Until next time, keep growing your story.