Back to school is just around the corner. I am convinced that most students are really thrilled when September rolls around.  I have had many students from 1st grade up to 12th secretly admit to me that they missed their friends and are glad to be back. The ones who might be a bit hesitant, though, are the little ones going off to preschool for the first time, or the kindergarteners that either didn't go to preschool, or just got used to being home over the summer. It's really important to emotionally prepare them for the new experience ahead.
     You might be wondering how you, as a grandparent, can help with this. Of course, buying a special backpack, outfit, crayons, etc. sets the tone of the adventure to come, and grandparents could help with purchasing these items. Another, and more memorable way to help out, would be to give a gift of a very special book called The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn. This is a wonderful gift for both your grandchild and his or her parents. More often than not, the child is not the only one who experiences the separation anxiety inherent in a little one going off to school.  I'm not embarrassed to admit that I followed the Kindergarten bus to school and back for the whole first week of Kindergarten for both of my children, even though they had already gone to preschool. That big bus, the officialness of it all, the nagging fear that the teacher wouldn't "understand" or be patient enough with my children, or worse yet, not recognize how special my children were, all made the event bittersweet. The Kissing Hand validates and honors the feelings of both the child and the parents.  In the story Chester the Raccoon and his mother find a way to carry each other's love with them throughout the day, even when they are apart, and it works to comfort and empower both of them. Giving this gift to your grandchild and his/her parents, affords them the opportunity to create their own "kissing hands" and they will thank you for it. Maybe the parents will even let you follow the bus with them!
 

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