Parent Book Recommendations August/September 2006
By Sandy Meagher

To read Sandy Meagher's related article Let the Excitement Begin click here

How difficult it is for some parents to see their child leave for school and how difficult it is for some children to leave. For the first few months of first grade, my fourth child cried every day. We tried everything. I wondered what had I done wrong. When I finally called the teacher, she said that my son had told her his dog Sparky would be home all by himself and that was why he was so sad. He also tearfully explained that his brothers and sister did not get off the bus with him because they were going on to other school buildings. If your child has similar worries and fears, reading stories will help. Some great titles are The Night Before Kindergarten by Natasha Wing (Grosset & Dunlap, 2001, ISBN: 0-448-42500-9) and First Day by Dandi Daley Mackall (Silver Whistle, 2003, ISBN: 0-152-16577-0). Ask your public librarian if there are programs available that help children get ready for school. Talking over some of the basics will also help.

There were many occasions, though, when I just needed a book to reinforce that my parenting skills were really just fine. You might try Raising Happy Kids: Over 100 Tips for Parents and Teachers by Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer (DaCapo Press, 2003, ISBN: 0-306-81316-5). I also love My Shining Star by Rosemary Wells (Scholastic, 2006, ISBN: 0-439-84701-4). The values discussed are priceless and so worthy of putting into practice with your own child.

A lot goes on in a day at school. Everyone is always ready to help. We smile and praise each child in some way to make them feel special, yet there are always some tears, a missed bus, a missed parent or, in my child's case, a missed dog. Be sure to take time with your child each day. Talking and listening are so important. Lots of wisdom comes to us from our children. I wish you all happy first days.

To read Sandy Meagher's related article Let the Excitement Begin click here

Sandy Meagher is the Library Department Chairperson and School Librarian in the Wayne Highlands School District, Honesdale, PA.