August Newsletter 2024
Teri Ann Cox
Executive Director of The Children’s Center
Dear Center Families,
I know the month of August is just beginning, but perhaps like me, you are starting to think about your child’s new school year transition, which could mean stepping up to a new classroom or walking into a brand-new school. My son will be leaving home again near the end of August for his junior year at college. Even though this transition will be less monumental than his freshman year’s “move in day” (or when he went off to kindergarten or started high school), I know that weekend will still be filled with big feelings.
As I have written in the past “back to school” newsletters, managing my own stress and emotions during this end-of-summer time of transition is important. Remembering how we respond to the unexpected and deal with our own worry, directly impacts our sons and daughters. Lynn Lyons, a therapist who helps parents manage anxiety, suggests focusing on what we can control and coming up with solutions to known problems or challenges associated with change. She says, “There’s a big difference between worry and problem solving. Worry does not help or protect your family.” She encourages us to focus on what is within our control, and brainstorm solutions -- or implement tried and true ideas from the experts who advise on the topics of change and transitions.
As far as advice for school age children: Setting your child’s sleep schedule back to “school time” two weeks before the first day of school is highly recommended. (We did this for years, and it really does help make those first few days easier in the morning!) For more great ideas, go to Care.com where they have published their “101 Back to School Tips” for parents and kids:
https://www.care.com/c/stories/3192/101-back-to-school-tips-for-kids-and-parents/
Finally, as we get ready to kick off a new school year at the Center, Tanya Mills, Katy Ward, and I are busy determining the teacher team assignments by classroom starting the day after Labor Day. We are also simultaneously finalizing classroom placement for those children who are developmentally ready to move up. Look soon for my letter to families outlining what will remain the same and what will be changing staff-wise. If it is time for a move, your child’s teacher (or one of the coordinators) will also share with you individually your child’s new classroom for fall in the weeks ahead.
In closing, I hope you can focus on what is in your control, let go of the rest, and enjoy the last month of summer! If you have any questions or concerns along the way, don’t hesitate to let me know.
With kind regards,
Teri Ann
