A Happy Beginning of a School Life
After you have accomplished an all-important job of choosing the right
preschool for your child, are you ready for the next tough job? That is, sending
your precious one away to school for the very first time!
Every year, we see a lot of parents feeling helpless in ‘settling’ their little ones
in the school in the first month. They start complaining about the tantrums
that they have to face every morning while they get the children ready for
school. The endless crying and sobbing breaks even the toughest of us. Many
of us do not put a lot of thought into this, but this transition can be planned in
such a way that the entire family does not go through the separation anxiety.
Here are some tips that you can use a few days before the first day of school.
1. Positive Talk: Generally, your young one has a tendency to listen and
believe everything that you do or say, so use this ‘magic trick’ wisely by
talking very positively about school and what he or she will be expecting
at school. Avoid any negative remarks about the school in front of the
child.
2. Story telling and Videos: Use the story telling/video sessions by
mentioning a school setting and how the little ones enjoy during the
school hours. If possible, visit the school gate a few times to show them
the school and create that excitement in their little minds.
3. Role Play: Little children love roleplays, so the family members can play
“school” and use it to display the type of routines and activities expected
by them. For example, outdoor play area, “tiffin-time” fun with classmates,
sharing of books and toys etc.
4. Set up a Routine: A few days before the school starts, set up a routine
that a child will have to follow later. Setting up a wake-up time,
breakfast, bath time, etc. will help in reducing the stress on the first day
of school.
5. Positive Assurance- Assuring them that you are around waiting for them
to pick them up after the school and showing up on time to pick them up
after the class really helps the kids build trust and confidence in the first
few days of school.
6. Relax: Last but not the least, you need to relax and have a lot of trust in
this process. Your anxiety and restlessness definitely passes on to the
children. So, have faith and let the child blossom at his/her own pace.
This new phase of your life will definitely become easier if you follow the
above tips with your children. Remember, each child is unique and will
settle in school at her own pace.
Happy Parenting!