Finding ways ways to get children through the door on the first day of school can be tough. While this is obvious for younger children, it also applies to kids that are transitioning to a different school and are making the jump from elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, and even high school to college.
Comfort Items for Younger Children
Make the first day of school as easy as possible to prepare younger kids for preschool or kindergarten. A special item serves as a crutch to build a child's confidence.
- Blanket
- Favorite stuffed animal
- Small toy
- Favorite book
- Favorite DVD
- Laminated picture of familyFinding ways ways to get children through the door on the first day of school can be tough. While this is obvious for younger children, it also applies to kids that are transitioning to a different school and are making the jump from elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, and even high school to college.Comfort Items for Younger ChildrenMake the first day of school as easy as possible to prepare younger kids for preschool or kindergarten. A special item serves as a crutch to build a child's confidence.
- Blanket
- Favorite stuffed animal
- Small toy
- Favorite book
- Favorite DVD
- Laminated picture of family
Comfort Items for Elementary to High School Children
The older kids get, the less likely they are to admit they want their parents' love and attention. Yet even grade school and high school kids too cool for a blanket or special teddy bear need extra help sometimes. Here are some creative ideas for comforting older children.
- A post-it mommy kiss in a lunchbox
- A laminated picture of the family
- A hand written note inside a backpack or binder
- A list of inspirational quotes
Comfort Items for College Students
College students need love too. Moving out of the house and being thrown into the college world might be a little harder for some. Others might make a large college kid shaped hole in the front door. Regardless of the personality difference, they are still kids and want attention and reassurance from their parents. Small reminders from home, or an electronic gadget to help them study are ideal for this age group.
- A picture frame of the family for their dorm
- A trinket from home, like a paper weight or old end table
- Extra points on their meal card
- Amazon Kindle
- Pulse Smart Pen
- First edition of a favorite book
Create a Personalized Gift
Personalized gifts are the way to go for something completely unique and special. Consider taking children out to create their own home memory.
- Create a personalized key chain.
- Paint pottery and paint a tiny trinket that can be carried around.
- Make a special bracelet, necklace or other piece of jewelry. Pandora bracelets are beautiful and trendy. Like an Italian charm bracelet, beads can be added with every special occasion, and no two bracelets will ever look the same.
- Make a personalized gift online with a website like PersonalizedGifts.com or PersonalizedCreations.com and make a special gift like a personalized pencil box.
- Take digital pictures, upload them to photo sites like Shutterfly.com and make a small photo book, special stationary, or photo key chain to go with a big kids keys.
Helping a child make any transition is an opportunity for them to grow. Ensuring that children are as comfortable as possible for the first day of school, regardless of whether it is preschool or college, will get them started on the right foot. A good start will make a good year.
Carmen Sofia Grant - Carmen is a social media marketer, freelance writer, and blogger. Her favorite blogs are MomCrunch and Social Media Examiner.com
