One day, those tiny heartbeats will be for school. They will learn so many new things and make a lot of new friends, and they will be happy. But sometimes, things may not go exactly as they imagined. That’s when parents need to step in again:
Be patient and supportive.
Any change in a person’s life is a source of stress. However, everyone experiences this stress at different levels. The same applies to a child starting school. They need time to adjust to this new situation. During this adjustment period, avoid belittling them when they’re alone or in front of others. Offer reassuring and calming explanations. While giving hope, do not stray too far from reality. Painting an overly rosy picture of school could lead to disappointment. Your child must be prepared to face problems at school and learn how to seek help when needed.
Develop communication skills with your child.
Talk to them about their friends at school. For example, if a friend is sick, you can prepare and send a "Get well soon" card together. If a friend is absent from school, encourage them to call their friend and talk on the phone if possible.
Surprise them.
Plan your daily tasks around times when you can spend time with your child. If your child uses a school bus, go pick them up from school. Be mindful of the agreed-upon time. If your child walks to and from school, meet them at the gate, not inside the house. Let them feel loved and missed. Who wouldn’t enjoy being greeted at the door?
Plan activities to strengthen their social skills.
A lack of social skills may lead to bullying, rejection, or conflict. Support your child in developing close relationships with their friends. For instance, invite a friend over for the weekend and let them enjoy a fun time together. Having a friend to play with during breaks or even someone to go to the bathroom with will ease their transition into school life.
Allow them to express their emotions without criticism or blame.
When your child says things like "No one is playing with me" or "The teacher doesn’t like me," listen to them completely without interrupting or commenting. Let them know that you understand how they feel. Encourage them to express their feelings with open-ended questions. A child who learns to express their emotions will also be able to seek solutions when facing school-related challenges. Instead of reacting harshly when your child cries at school, calmly say, "I’ll miss you too," and share a bit about your own childhood. Tell them how you coped with school challenges. When they realize they are not the only one going through this, their response will soften.
Develop your child’s sense of independence!
Once your child starts school, stop treating them like a baby. Give them new responsibilities at home to build their self-confidence. Encourage them to do things on their own and support them in becoming more independent.
Focus on progress, not performance.
Evaluate your child’s development within their own framework. Never compare them to other children or punish them. Focus on where they were before and where they are now. Notice and appreciate their gradual adjustments and progress. Concentrate on what they can do, not on what they can’t do, to help boost their confidence.