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Preparing a child for their first day at school or preschool is a crucial process that can greatly influence how well they adapt to their new environment and learning routine. The role of parents in this cannot be overstated. Half of the success depends on how parents prepare their child for this important step. How can you help your child feel positive about school or preschool? How can you ease their fears and instill a healthy attitude towards learning? Let's explore this in detail.
Parental involvement in preparing a child for school or preschool goes beyond just buying a school bag or filling out paperwork. It involves a range of actions that help the child confidently transition to this new stage of life. Parental support includes emotional encouragement as well as practical advice and organisational tasks. Parents set the tone for the child’s attitude towards learning, helping to ease anxiety and create a sense of excitement about the upcoming adventure.
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Positive conversations are a key motivational tool. Talk about school in a way that makes your child associate it with pleasant feelings. For example, you could mention how much fun they’ll have playing with new friends or describe the interesting activities waiting for them at school or preschool. These imaginative discussions can help reduce tension and spark excitement about the changes ahead.
It’s important that your child feels supported, so don’t hesitate to share your own experiences. For instance, you could say: “When I was your age, I was a little nervous too, but I made some great friends, and we had such fun together during breaks.”
One memorable part of preparing for the school year is choosing school supplies and clothing. Let your child pick out their own backpack or pencils. The more involved they are in the process, the more positive their expectations for school will be. For example, a backpack featuring their favourite cartoon character could become a special charm for them. Attractive stationery can also inspire them to start using it as soon as possible.
Make the preparation process fun and engaging through play. Try recreating a school day in the form of a role-play game: let your child act as the student, and you can be the teacher. Playing this way can help your child understand that learning can be enjoyable and exciting.
After your child starts attending school or preschool, it’s equally important to maintain a close relationship with their teachers. Regular conversations with teachers or carers will help you learn about your child's first impressions, successes, and challenges. Ask for feedback on how your child is interacting with others, what difficulties they might be facing, and what areas might need extra attention at home.
It’s especially important to be active participants in parent-teacher meetings and school events. For example, at ESTI School and in the development courses at ESTI, quarterly concerts and performances are held where children can showcase their talents. Parental support during such events helps children feel valued and boosts their self-confidence.
One of the biggest challenges for a child is separation from their parents and adapting to new circumstances. Regularly talk to your child about their feelings and experiences. If they’re reluctant to talk, suggest an alternative—ask them to draw their fears or worries. This not only helps you understand their emotions better but also teaches them how to express their feelings.
Support from teachers and psychologists is also important. For example, at ESTI School and in the development courses at ESTI, regular group sessions with a psychologist are available to help children adapt to group settings and learn to cope with stress.
Starting school or preschool is a significant step in a child’s development that requires more independence from them. Explain that this step is part of growing up, and that even though you may not be physically present, you are always there for them. Teaching the basics of independence and responsibility will help your child better face new challenges.
The role of parents in preparing a child for school should not be underestimated. Support through conversations, joint activities, and involvement in school life are all crucial in creating a positive image of school or preschool for your child. This will not only help them adapt more easily, but also strengthen your relationship with them. School is not just a new stage in your child’s life, but also an opportunity for you as parents to better understand your child and help them step confidently into the future.
