How to Talk So Kids Will Listen – First Day of School

The first day of school is a time of big changes: Summer is over; getting up early is the new normal; and your children will be away from home in a different environment. Kids need your help like never before, and it is essential to learn how to talk so kids will listen. It’s vital that the positive words you say to your children become their inner voice.

Regardless of whether your child is going to childcare, preschool, or kindergarten, the first day can be full of emotions: excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and even some sadness (for both of you). Regardless of whether this is your first child or your fifth, it’s a big day for both of you.

Kids need to understand four simple things on the first day of school:

• School is a place to learn new things and make new friends.
• Parents are proud of their children and love them unconditionally.
• At the end of the day, children get to come home and be with their family.
• Success is something children can control.

Encouraging Words for Your Child on the First Day of School (Helping You Know How to Talk so Kids Will Listen)

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE THE BEST AT EVERYTHING; YOU JUST NEED TO TRY YOUR BEST.

Children are not perfect. Odds are your child will have to struggle sooner or later with an assignment, an idea, or a subject while at school. At those times, it will be useful for them to realize that they don’t need to be the best at everything but that they should put their best effort into everything they do. Saying this will help protect your child from feeling self-doubt when others progress faster. There is no requirement for correlation, do your best.

TREAT OTHERS HOW YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.

It may be a jarring experience to share the attention of an adult teacher with an entire cohort of students. Asking your children to treat others as they would like to be treated will help them put themselves into the shoes of others and refrain from lashing out because of the lack of attention or from being mean to another person due to peer pressure. In these kind of situations, especially, it is extremely important to know how to talk so kids will listen to you and learn.

I LOVE YOU.

Every single day let them know they are loved. You can tell them or hide a note with the words in their lunch box. Love them when they succeed and when they fail. Remind them that love is unconditional and not based on their achievements. How to talk so kids will listen? Say “I love you.” Sometimes the simplest words are the most touching and help to turn a difficulty into a special learning experience.

I’M GOING TO DROP YOU OFF, AND THEN YOU’LL MEET YOUR TEACHER AND HAVE LUNCH …

On the first day of school, children may not have much of an idea of what the day will hold, so walk them through it to help them to feel at ease.

Tell them you’re going to drop them off at school, what they’ll do when they get there, and when they’ll have play time, lunch time, and recess time.

More Encouraging Words for Your Child on the First Day of School (Helping You Know How to Talk so Kids Will Listen)

IT’S ABOUT THE JOURNEY, NOT JUST THE DESTINATION.

Some children—particularly those in their adolescent years, with college around the corner—are overwhelmed with anxiety. They worry about the future. Remember that being concerned and driven about your future is something to be thankful for. We should show our children how to appreciate the journey.

MAGIC HAPPENS OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

People don’t grow if they always do the same thing every day. When people do things outside their comfort zone they are being adventurous. Teach them how to be comfortable with discomfort. You may be going outside of your comfort zone when you talk to your children about this aspect of life. You’ll be an example of your own advice if that’s the case.

YOU’RE CAPABLE OF ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO.

As much as this might sound like a cliché, every child needs to hear this on the first day of school, as well as all through the school year. Saying these words is a first step in showing your children how diligence and hard work can pay off. It’s an important affirmation that puts them into the mindset of working toward success.

I BELIEVE IN YOU, AND I SUPPORT YOU.

Children need to know that whatever happens, their parents will always have their back and support them. This is necessary for children to improve their self-esteem and develop the confidence to do well in school and in their social circles.

I CAN’T WAIT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR DAY.

This is a particularly helpful thing to say if your child is finding it hard to say goodbye. Before children leave, give them something to anticipate by telling them there will be an activity or a snack waiting when they get home.

EVERY MISTAKE IS A LESSON.

Children will forget to study or forget a homework assignment; they will oversleep or feel moody. It is always important to teach kids that mistakes are lessons that teach us how to act later on. This kind of conversation with your kids will help you understand how to talk so kids will listen. It also will help them convert disappointment into positivity.

BE YOURSELF.

One of the most vital things a parent can say to a child on the first day of school is to act naturally and be themselves. Small kids can be incredibly barbarous, so give your children the confidence to be who they are and pay little attention to what other kids might say.

I AM PROUD OF YOU.

The first day of school can be overwhelming, and saying this simple sentence to your children can have a major effect on the way they feel about themselves. Children generally doubt themselves, and after their first day of school, they need to realize their parents are proud of them. This expression urges them to keep up their great attitude.

DON’T LET YOUR PEERS’ ACTIONS AFFECT HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT YOURSELF.

At some point, your child will be the one receiving negative comments or behavior. In cases like this, it will be beneficial for them to know that whatever a bully might do or say, it says something about the bully and nothing about the person who has to listen to the bully.

CONCLUSION

Like each milestone before and after it, a school day is complicated. No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. But take heart: You will most likely never make as many mistakes as others, and even if you do, your children will still love and trust you. Promise. You are set to deal with the first day of school and know how to talk so kids will listen.

You might also check out our article: 20 Healthy Tips for Moms & Kids