Crossing The Threshold

In many cases, there exists a visible threshold in the forward that separates the classroom from the rest of the world. The act of crossing this boundary signifies a commitment to leave behind one space in order to embrace another; in some cases this is difficult for the young child, even if it appears of little consequence to the adult.

With the transition to a new school year (or term) still ongoing, here is a simple tip towards supporting the crossing of a new threshold. It is really important that the child be walking, if at all possible, and not held in the arms of the parent before being asking to take this great leap of faith. Otherwise, what we are asking the child to do actually becomes twice as difficult; it would require an alteration of perspective by sudden vertical motion before an immediate follow-up of horizontal momentum. Now, let’s consider for a moment why parents or caregivers might carry a child into a school building…..

In some cases, it just seems easier, quicker and more efficient. Unfortunately, this reasoning is focusing on the needs of the adult rather than the child, isn’t it? Speaking as a parent myself, I have often experienced how an approach like this can have the exact opposite effect from the one I intended; the energy of my impatience was usually absorbed by my child, who became a little more tense as a result and the overall process became unnecessarily complicated.

I should have left the house a little earlier, and even on those days when I was running late, I should have adhered to the regular routine, nonetheless.

Process.

Order.

Routine.

These are all mantras in the mind of a preschooler.

Take your time during these September mornings. And if, for any reason, you must carry a child into school, let them walk the final few yards to the doorway independently. Being already positioned to make eye contact with their peers and their environment, the final crossing of the threshold will have the greatest chance of success.