Dear Friends,
How do we encourage our young children to feel comfortable with life transitions?
That’s a question I’ve been thinking about while my son, Bennett, attends Early Independence, a gentle separation program at the Museum. Like most parents, I was a little concerned he would get upset when left by himself. I also worried that he would try to run away from the group to play mini golf or ride the roller coaster (two of his favorite activities at the Children’s Museum).
Fortunately, he’s made the transition pretty well. I am fairly certain it’s because he feels so comfortable in the Museum; he’s been coming here since he was 2 months old. To help with the separation, I am grateful to my colleagues at the Museum who have recommended a few tips, such as creating a goodbye ritual and explaining to your child when she or he can expect you back. Our Education Department has also created a “Separation Library” with children’s books that can help your family feel more comfortable with transitions. You can E-mail Liz Bard, our Education Coordinator, at Liz@CMEE.org if you are interested in learning more about the “Separation Library.”
Of course, transitions can be just as difficult for older children as I discovered when Liz and I attended a meeting of the Long Island Pre-K Initiative. One of the primary issues that teachers, administrators, and community partners discussed was how to help children get ready to enter kindergarten. I was struck by how similar the strategies mirrored the ones we use for two-year-olds. Looking back on my own life, establishing a routine and setting expectations have helped make transitions easier, like when I moved to the East End to start working at the Children’s Museum.
If you have strategies or advice or experience you’d like to share with other parents who have children transitioning to a new program or school, I’d love to hear them! Please feel free to e-mail or share them on the Museum’s Facebook wall!
Sincerely,
Steve