Debbie Starting school can be a daunting experience for children, and parents often feel overwhelmed about how they can best help their children. This article provides helpful tips on how to ease your child into the new environment and make the transition as smooth as possible. There is no getting away from the fact that when your child starts school it can be an anxious time for everyone. We can, however, make it easier by making preparations with that date in mind. Try to avoid leaving preparing your child to the last minute. Everyone will want time to adjust to a new situation.
It’s Good To Talk
First and foremost, it is important to help your child feel comfortable starting school. Talk to them about the things they can expect, such as meeting teachers and making new friends. Visit their classroom before starting the day so they can become familiar with the environment and meet some of their classmates. You may also want to check in with your child’s teacher to get an understanding of the classroom expectations and any resources that may be available to help your child adjust.
Talk to everyone you can in advance to understand more about how it will be for your child at school. Then you can reassure them more by having a first-hand account, rather than relying on knowledge from times that are now outdated.
Provide Reassurance
Your child is starting a new journey, so it’s important to provide reassurance throughout their transition. Let them know that starting school can be intimidating but it is also a great opportunity for growth and learning. Remind them that starting school is a normal part of life for all children and that you will be there to help them through the process.
Always draw the positives out of a nervous situation. When there are gains, something does not then seem so bad. School is a time to meet new friends your child did not have before and they will likely be grateful for the relationships later on when it comes to sharing hobbies and playing sports together. At school, they will start to build up a network of friends and support groups who can help out beyond what any parent can, whatever parenting style they adopt. Parents cannot look out for their children while they are inside school grounds, and likely just outside them, whereas classmates and school friends can be there for them.
Encourage Open Communication
Open communication between you and your child is key to helping them navigate starting school. Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and experiences as they adjust. Make sure they know that you are always available to talk and provide support. Additionally, it is important to stay informed about your child’s academic progress and social activities. Ask them how their day went or if they need help with a particular subject.
You do not want your child to clam up every time you mention school. Instead, they should be ready to talk about their day with excitement. This includes what they enjoyed and the things they didn’t and that bothered them. Parents should want to hear both the positives and negatives so that they can put anything right that is not working for their child. A child should never feel intimidated or afraid to speak out because nothing will likely change until they have said something to a responsible adult.
Regular Routines
Starting school can throw off regular routines, so make sure that your child knows what time they need to be up and where they need to be, and when. Establishing routines can help your child stay organised and prepared for starting school each day. Additionally, make sure that your child has time outside of school to relax and have fun with friends and family.
Starting school is an important milestone in a child’s life, but it can also seem intimidating. With the right parental help, starting school can be a smooth transition and a great opportunity for growth and learning. By talking to your child, providing reassurance, encouraging open communication, and establishing regular routines, you can help make starting school a positive experience.
