Dear Early Childhood Families,

The end of the school year is a season of high energy and celebration. Yet, beneath the excitement of summer adventures, children often carry a complex mix of emotions. They are navigating the "goodbyes" to their current friends, teachers, and the comforting rhythms of their classrooms, while simultaneously wondering what next year will bring.

These feelings often show up in uncharacteristic ways. You might notice your child becoming more emotional, pushing boundaries, or seeking your attention more frequently. We see this at school, too! In these moments, children are usually communicating a need for the adults in their lives to provide the steady structure that helps them feel safe.

Because we know this transition can be just as much of a "watch and wait" period for parents, I wanted to share a few of my tried-and-true tips for navigating these end-of-year feelings:

Maintain the Anchor of Consistency
Even as the weather gets nicer and our calendars fill up, try to hold tight to normal bedtime and wake-up routines. Consistency is a form of security for young children. When the world feels like it’s changing, knowing exactly what to expect at home allows their nervous systems to rest.

Listen Without Always "Solving"
It is our natural instinct as parents to want to fix our children’s discomfort. However, this is a wonderful time to help them build resilience. Instead of rushing to solve a problem, ask questions that allow them to reflect: "What is one thing you could try if that happens tomorrow?" or "Do you remember how you felt on the first day of school this year, and look at you now!" Let them know you are their safety net, but also that they are competent and capable of handling new situations.

Mind the "Big Kid" Talk
While we are proud of their growth, avoid over-emphasizing that they are becoming a "big first-grader," "SKer," or "JKer." For some children, that label feels like a heavy weight of new expectations. If they express nerves, avoid the temptation to say "You'll be fine!" Instead, acknowledge the feeling and share a story of a time you were nervous and how you found your way through it. Children love knowing that we, too, have had to be brave.

Partner With Us
Please keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teachers. We are in this together, and we are here to help you navigate these final days. Reassure your child (and yourself!) that next year is a beautiful opportunity for new connections. Our children are incredibly intuitive; when they see us feeling confident and calm about their future, they begin to feel that confidence, too.

As always, we are here to partner with you. Please reach out if you would like to chat or think together as we bring this wonderful year to a close.

With appreciation,

Abby Aloni,
Head of Early Childhood