T.I.M.E. Kids encourages you to:

T- TURN Everyday into a new experience

I- INSTIL A spirit of inquiry

M- MAKE Your child feel special

E- ENHANCE Your child's potential

K- KINDLE Excitement in them

I- INTERACT With your Child

D- DISCUSS What your Child wants to do

S- SUPPORT Your Child

Parenting Tips / Guidelines

Attitudes to school can vary widely at different stages but PRE-SCHOOL is the first time your child attends school and is exposed to a new environment. You, as a parent, can help the adjustment by practicing a few rules to make your child's "going to school" a happy experience.

1. To reduce separation anxiety, play games like hide and seek or peek-a-boo to help him/her understand this phenomenon of separation.

2. Explain to your toddler what to expect if you are going out and when you are going to be back.

3. Be positive to reduce separation anxiety. Leave with a smile and don't be nervous.

4. Curb your own separation pangs because if you are having trouble separating, your child will always pick this up.

5. Remember that your child may have a very different (perhaps better)experience than you did.

6. Talk about your time at school in a positive manner.

These guidelines will help your child be more independent, happy and secure. Remember the more secure you feel, the more confident your child will be.

Communication Strategies

There isn't one right way, one perfect question, or one right time to have these conversations. Here are some suggestions you can try:

1. Greet your child with an enthusiastic hello. Try saying, "great to see you" or, "I missed you" or simply, "I hope you had a good day" instead of "How was school"?

2. Listen before you talk. Let your child lead you into a conversation.

3. Don't pester your child with questions, as some children don't like to talk the minute they walk in. He/she will open up shortly.

4. Learn about your child's life at school.

5. Try communicating without words as many children might prefer to reconnect with a hug.

REMEMBER: Talking is our way of communication but if we do it on children's terms we might get to know them better.