The school year has been rolling along for a few weeks and with parental support, great teaching and, {fingers-crossed} a whole lotta luck, perhaps the initial challenges are behind most students. The transition to school is a vulnerable time for children and many need supplemental support to make it through unscathed.
It can be difficult to discern if pre-schoolers and young children are adjusting to the demands of school and their new surroundings. If only they knew the right words to tell us when they are feeling anxious or out of their comfort zone. (Let’s be honest, sometimes we don’t have the words for every emotion and situation.)
Fortunately, we can observe their behavior and let it do some of the talking for them. If your child’s teacher is using some form of the following language when reporting in with you; 1:1 occupational therapy, AZA’s Building Blocks Pre-School Boost Program or group therapy may give your child the extra support they crave.
- Not listening
- Not following directions
- Problems with relationships
- Talking too much or not talking at all
- Outbursts/meltdowns
- Difficulty staying on task
Occupational therapy is one component to help ensure future success. The other? Adding more joyful moments into their day. Yes, you read that right. It’s not a complicated strategy. No doctor’s prescription is required. Just add joy – uninterrupted time when you and your child are connecting through pure joy. These joyful moments alleviate stress and anxiety, build trusting relationships and boosts learning. Joy is the muscle that helps your child transition through all of life’s challenges. And while joy won’t overcome everything, experiencing more of it along the way makes for a happier journey.