Bittersweet Goodbyes.

I don't think that I ever really understood the term "bittersweet" until now. It astounds me that one heart can feel such diverse emotions.

I am so proud! I look at my little girl and see that she has become this amazing, capable, confident young woman. I take pride in the job that I've done. I'm in awe that I had a hand in creating her.  I am excited to see what the world will bring to her and what she will bring to the world. She's on the cusp of such amazing adventures and I get to follow along for the ride! That's the "sweet" part.  

I am so sad! I look at my little girl and see that she has become this amazing, capable, confident young woman. It terrifies me. Where do I fit in? I was good at being a Mommy. I'm not sure what and how we'll be now. Do confident young women need Mommies?  What will my life look like after my girls are gone? That's the "bitter" part.

The logical part of me knows that life will be fine; even better. The vulnerable part is scared.  Journey's into the unknown are always the hardest. Change is hard.  I know that it will take time.  I need to allow myself the time to grieve the loss of my past me so that I have room in my heart to embrace the future me. I know that I'll make this change an opportunity to make something better, stronger, than what was before.  I know that, with time, the "bitter" will be gone and I'll be left with the new and wonderful "sweet".

Back to ElementarySchool

As our kids navigate grades 1 to 8, they face a wealth of new opportunities and challenges.  As parents, it can be difficult to find the balance between protecting and advocating for our kids and allowing them to practice their independent problem solving skills. 

 CHILDREN: 

You may find that your children suffer from the following worries and challenges" 

-workload pressures

-test anxiety

-peer conflicts

-bullying

-teacher conflict

-learning issues

Tips for Parents: 

-help your child find balance (ensure that they have ample down time to balance work time) 

-help your child develop their "tribe" ( a group of friends that help build them up instead  of break them down) 

-help your child learn and live kindness

-coach your child on ways that they can try to solve a problem before you step in

-meet with and get to know the teacher and staff so that you have a team relationship if you need to advocate for your child

 PARENTS: 

These years can be difficult for parents. As your child's world away from home expands, it creates new parenting challenges and opportunities.  You may find that you face some of the following issues" 

-feelings of protectiveness as you observe your child stuggle with a bully, a difficult teacher or workload issues

-feelings of anger on behalf of your child

-feelings of helplessness as you feel unable to "fix" your child's issues

-feelings of inadequacy  as you feel unable to give the at school time that you see other parents being able to give

 Tips for Self Care: 

-spend time coaching your child about different ways of resolving conflict so that you have the peace to know that they have skills to manage their world.

-empower your child with the skills of time management

-get off the compare train....know that what ever time that you can give is valuable and appreciated

-if problems arise that are beyond your child's ability to manage, speak with the school staff to develop some team solutions for your child

 

These years are an exciting time for your child to develop and grow.  The best parenting that you can do is to empower you child to make some mistakes and learn the important life lessons that will help them become strong, independent learners and beings! 

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Starting "big kid school"...

It's time. After all of the antcipation, your little person is finally going to enter big kid school.  This time will be full of excitement and new begnnings for both children and thier parents.  Here are a few pointers and tips  to keep in mind for all of you as you navigate this next step in you family's life. 

 

 CHILDREN:

Young children don't always have the language skills to express what they're feeling.  Because of this, they often express themselves through behaviour.  You may find that your child demonstrates some of these behaviours: 

-clingy-ness

-crankiness

-sibling conflict

-inability to make decisions

-bedtime/sleep issues

-conflict with friends

 Tips for Parents: 

-give extra cuddles

-ensure that your child gets down time every day

-adjust bed time to ensure lots of sleep

-take time each week to talk about the exciting parts of the new school

-take opportunities to involve your child in any school prep activities at their new school

 PARENTS: 

Parents may forget that this time is also an adjustment for them.  You may find that you are experiencing some of these behaviours and feelings: 

-short temper

-feelings of sadness or anxiety

-extra worries

-difficulty sleeping

-feelings of helplessness

 Tips for self-care: 

-feel informed about the school and the school community

-take time to volunteer at the school

-take some extra quiet time with your child

-lean on your spouse/partner for support

-be gentle with yourself. Understand that it takes time to adjust to change

 

By being mindful that transitions take time; and allowing yourself and your child the time to adjust,  the transition to big kid school can be an amazing and wonderful experience for both kids and parents alike!