Surviving it all...a mother's perspective

In my previous post I shared my own worries over my little one starting school last year. I'm no expert, but I thought I'd put together a survival guide, sharing my personal (some tongue-in-cheek) tips on how to get through the first year.

1. Before all else, set your alarm and make sure it is set for 15 minutes before you actually have to get up. Then aim to leave the house 10 minutes before you actually need to. Trust me the "walk of shame" as once documented by the lovely Ruby of Living in Bury St Edmunds is not a nice experience, especially if suffered on a regular basis.
2. Have all items of uniform ready for your little one to dress himself/herself. That means you can keep your own pair of hands to get yourself ready, i.e. brushing your hair and cleaning your teeth (be careful to this bit right as toothpaste in the hair is not a classy sight).
   
3. Smile from the moment you walk out of the front door. I don't mean the permanent beam that synchronised swimmers and ballroom dancers carry throughout their performance, but the pleasant acknowledgment that you give other fellow parents en route to the same centre of learning.
4. Learn the humble smile of shame that should be used only on the walk of shame. This only comes with practice and should combine a look that entices camaraderie and one that quietly acknowledges defeat. Best to research body language in gorilla behaviour to get this one right.
5. Remember this is your new job! Arrive on your first day, as though you are starting in a new workplace where you have to create the right impression. Look your best! Be polite and find a way to remember the names of everyone you meet.
6. As you begin to recognise people, talk to as many as you can and ask them about themselves. However, beware you don't want to come over as the village nosey parker, so attack this one with stealth.
7. Do take the time to talk to others who are sat on their own and not part of a group. They're probably not odd or different. They're most likely to be shy.
   
8. Take the teachers' advice. They know what they are doing. If you disagree with any slightest thing, make an appointment to see them after school.
9. Read with your child regularly. After all, the sooner they can read back to you the easier life will be. No longer will you be the only one looking for directions to the toilets when in town. They'll be able to look for the signs themselves.
   
10. Let your child take the lead in home assignments, whilst providing support to help them finish. Remember it's a family learning project not your project and doesn't have to be perfect (I must remember this one!)
11. If it doesn't do already, encourage your school to hold coffee mornings on the first day of term. It's a great opportunity for people to get to know each other. After all everyone's in the same boat even if you have a different paddle.
12. Try to avoid forming your own clique. They are so last century. Even if you belong to a regular group of friends who have lots of things in common, try to include others. Remember, this year's clique member may be next year's outsider.
13. Don't gossip about others, as they might gossip about you. If in doubt, have another look at my previous post about cutting other mothers some slack.
    
14. Try to help with your school's fundraising group, even if you can only spare a couple of hours throughout the year. You will be able to raise funds for some extra goodies that will enhance your child's experience even more!
15. As soon as you can, encourage everyone to swap telephone numbers and try to help each other out. If the teacher is amenable, post up a form for people to fill in. You'll be surprised how many people will be happy to share contact details.
16. Be there in time to pick them up. If you like a good gab, feel free to turn up 10 minutes early. If you're a bit shy off the starting block, one minute before the school bell will do. Whatever your desire, just BE THERE...and if there's an emergency...ring someone on your contact list who could help out at pick-up time. Your little one would probably prefer a brief play with a schoolmate rather than waiting in school for your arrival.
17. Try to have a small snack available as soon as your little one comes home. These little people are hungry and if something's not available, you risk the contents of your fridge being eaten before tea-time! A selection of chopped fruit works for us while I am busy in the kitchen!
18. Try to invite a school-friend over for tea once in a while, to a schedule that works for you. Before too long, once you've found relationships you can trust you can pick up the respective children from school, giving other parents some time off for a couple of hours. It will work for you too!
    
19. I know school has only just started, but look forward to the holidays and if you can organise a date for the whole class to meet up, if people are available. Keep it informal and easy.
20. Finally, relax and enjoy the me-time you so much deserve.
    

There is so much more that could be added here, but everyone's experience is so much different, so please feel free to share your own tips in the comments box. Also, if you have some time, take a peak at an article which I've just had published over on the British Parent Bloggers site about The Best Days of Your Life. Go on...settle yourself down with a cup of tea and some tissues and enjoy some more time out!

More reading is available as follows:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/6970576.stm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/your_kids/primary_starting.shtml
http://www.raisingkids.co.uk/1_4/tod_care08.asp