When your Sensitive child starts childcare and/or kindergarten, it is an enormous change – much the same as starting a new job or many other transitions we are familiar with ...
When your Sensitive child starts childcare and/or kindergarten, it is an enormous change – much the same as starting a new job or many other transitions we are familiar with such as a new relationship, a new sibling, a change in living circumstances and moving to another state or country. Remember when you did any or all of these things how you felt… excited, anxious, worried, sick, energised, tentative, fearful. A Sensitive child myself, these were all things which I can remember experiencing.
It is the same for these children but greatly magnified as their energy system is tuned to take in the experience but not yet finely tuned enough to adapt to unknown circumstances. How you manage this will be critical to their success.
Make sure you are in a good space to support them about where they will be going and anticipate possible glitches. Have written information about your child readily available. This will support the teachers or carers to support a smooth transition.
Don’t assume what has worked for others will necessarily work for your child. Use your knowledge and intuition to guide you. Remember, you are the expert advocate for your child, listen to other opinions but keep your own counsel.
Be confident to request special treatment such as wearing earphones in a loud and busy room. Many Sensitives are overwhelmed by lots of noise.
Make the teacher aware and point them to resources such as Elaine Aron’s The Highly Sensitive Child. At least 15–20% of children are Sensitives, so the chance of there being at least one in the classroom is extremely high.
Most importantly plan with your child before the big day, talk about it confidently, be prepared to stay for a time if needed and trust that you will know the right conversation to have with your child when the time is right. And have a coffee with a friend organized if you are a sensitive as you may be the one needing hugs after drop off!!!!
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