starting school

Helping Kids to Make Healthy Friendships

Healthy Friendships

I’ll never forget the year my best friend send me to Coventry. There were six of us in our group, and I was completely oblivious of our status of ‘top dogs’ in the classroom, though I can see it now. We occupied the centre of the room, three double desks set together, making everyone else satellites to our clique around the edges. We’d been together right from the start, though Kaye and I were best friends. Both strong personalities, we probably vied for position, although conveniently, I remember her being the most confident. I’m the classic boiled egg – what …

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Starting School: things parents need to know

For as long as you’ve known her, you’ve been the centre of her world. Whatever she needs, you’ve had it covered. You’ve overseen her milestones, and helped her navigate her friendships. She’s found her way through nursery, and flown solo without you there to see her triumphs. But now it’s time for starting school: a totally different ball game; a six-hour day without you. Not only that, but a day where 29 other children are also looking for the attention of a single stranger. And get this: that stranger is not there to play, cuddle and nurture; she is there …

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Happy Memories – The Gallery

My little brother had his very first day at school last week. Many photos were taken with pride, but I suspect that this will be the one which makes us laugh and remember that day in years to come. This is not the Bug. It is Darth Vader, and when Darth Vader (you have to say the Vader or he will not answer) is asked what he wants for tea, he will answer in his Darth Vader voice. If you need clarification, he will repeat it for you, but only in the voice. Anyway, Darth was so excited to be …

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School Shoes

There were tears on the playground this morning as my scuffed old school shoes bounded down the steps into my new classroom. The tears were not mine, nor were they shed on my behalf; I’m an old hand at this lark now, as you can see by the slightly scruffy appearance of my patent leather. No, the tears belonged with another pair of shoes; the brand new shiny ones on the left; the ones that have never seen the inside of a school …..until today. I bid the Bug good luck, with instructions on where to meet me on the …

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