Preparing your little one for a big step
Every child is different . Some rush to the school gates from day one , and others take a little while to warm up to a new routine . No matter how they cope with change , you can do lots of things to prepare them for the start of school
Big feelings
Starting primary school is a big change in your child ’ s young life . They ’ ll be leaving nursery or pre-school , saying goodbye to other primary carers , and there are lessons , classrooms and lots of new people to get used to .
Your child might be worried or upset . They might be excited or overstimulated . They also might not react the way you expect them to . While you can ' t predict how your child will feel , you can be there for them with comforting conversations , having a strong and stable routine and by ramping up the positivity for this exciting new adventure .
There are no ‘ good ’ or ‘ bad ’ feelings
Emotions are a healthy part of life . By helping your child to describe their feelings rather than labelling them as ‘ good ' or ‘ bad ’, they ’ ll develop a better understanding of what they ’ re going through
Boosting confidence
Fear can come from not knowing or understanding something , so familiarising your child with their school in the lead-up to their first day can help boost their confidence . Your child ’ s school will arrange taster sessions , welcome meetings and tours before they start , but don ’ t stop there . Go along to any events you can , such as the summer fair , and as you walk around talk about what goes on in the playground and classrooms ( these events are great for picking up cheap second-hand toys and books too ). If you have older children already at school , take your little one along to their open days and school performances .
If you know the name of your child ’ s teacher , talk about them with your child so they become a recognisable figure in their day-to-day life .
Make a game of it
Spark your little one ’ s imagination by reading books about children starting school at bedtime or playing make-believe games about it
8 PARENTKIND . ORG BE SCHOOL READY 2024