Practical Tips for Parents of School Beginners

Being a parent of a child about to begin their years at school can be daunting or exciting although however you or your child feel almost every child settles down quickly and soon loves it.

Some useful tips for parents of beginners;

• Remember your child will most likely settle down within an hour or so even though you may have left them for their first day in tears. Trusting the teacher and explaining to your child that the teacher is trustworthy and should be trusted will certainly help your child’s confidence for the first day.
• Familiarising your child with the school is another valuable exercise in the weeks leading up to the start of school, generally the schools are closed but even driving past every couple of days and showing them the classrooms will help them be more comfortable with the environment they're about to be in.
• Rehearsing everyday tasks about going to school in the lead-up to beginning is also a help. This can include things like packing your child’s lunch in a lunchbox in the morning and having them find it in their new school bag when you say it is lunchtime. Other ideas can include reminding them to take their school hat with them every time they step outdoors to start a good habit for when they are at school. Getting them to try raising their hand before asking a question will also assist in the preparation so you may like to get them used to it by practicing it when your family is together eg ask your children to put their hands up before they can ask for something at meal times.
• Most teachers make the first few days of settling in fun and attractive and children love the chance to meet new friends so it is helpful to encourage your child to think of all the friends he or she will be making. Many parents on the first day of school stay very close to their child while taking them to school for the first time but you may like to consider helping your child meet some of their new class mates even while you are waiting for the classroom doors to open giving them a head start as they see you trusting the other children there and developing their confidence in the other children. Instinctively kids are wary of strangers and generally look for some sign of approval from their parents before making a new acquaintance so displaying to your child that you are happy for them to be friends with the new kids at school will help them settle in quickly and don’t forget to reassure your child when you say goodbye.
• Giving the teacher a nice smile, a warm hello and saying you’re looking forward to going through the year together is a way that you can build trust with your child’s new teacher and most teachers appreciate parents that are cooperative and positive Giving the teacher your respect and confidence can have an effect on the confidence the teacher imparts to your child. This is not about making your child the ‘teacher’s pet’ it is about showing to the teacher you appreciate them and the job they are doing in turn giving the teacher a greater sense of responsibility towards the care and education of your child.
• It is also very helpful to ensure that you are as prepared as possible. Schools go to a lot of effort to prepare booklists and other preparations to make settling into school as easy as possible but as every school is different there are a few things that are useful take note of. Depending on which school your child attends library bags are available through the booklist and other times not but if your child will be going to the library and have the opportunity to borrow books your school will almost always appreciate if your child has a sturdy durable bag to protect the books they borrow for example a book folio type bag or a draw string bag. Your child will most likely start school with new clothes and the often begin drawing, painting and other craft activities that can get their new clothes dirty or stained so if your school hasn’t already mentioned art smocks on the booklist it is a great idea to send your child to school with a waterproof art smock or paint smock to protect their new clothes. School hats such as bucket hats or surf hats are often available through the schools uniform shop but if not, it is a good idea to provide your child with a sun safe hat to protect them for the harmful sun while outdoors at school from day one.

To all parents of school beginners we wish you all the best for the exciting journey through school and encourage you to make the transition as easy as possible for your child by encouragement, practical thinking, planning and being a positive support for your child and their teacher.