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Remember the days when you first started going to school? The adrenaline, trying to make friends, losing your lunchbox and figuring out proper classroom etiquette? For a child, life really starts once they step foot into school. This is a child’s first adventure without their parents to hold their hand and inspect if they are okay every 5 seconds. Kids usually spend the first 5 to 6 years of their life cocooned at home and only interact with family and friends. The only time they truly start to interact with peers their own age and experience all the joys and turmoil of life is when they go to school and this can be a huge change. It’s your job as parents to prepare them for all there is to come.
It’s essential to ensure that children comprehend that school encompasses both enjoyable and challenging moments. School is where they’ll gain knowledge about people, the world, and, most significantly, themselves. Therefore, parents should prepare their children for this educational journey by engaging in play, sharing their own school experiences, and explaining what awaits their child in their school life. Learning how to build relationships with peers, make friends, and maintain their integrity is a crucial life skill that children need to develop to thrive in both school and life. This may sound easier said than done, especially as kindergarteners need to adapt to tests, exams, schedules, and rules while navigating the social landscape. As parents, you might find yourself reminiscing about the end of your school days, but now it’s time for round two. Here’s a list of essential things your child should be familiar with before heading to school.
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Children often feel the urge to excel academically and may place undue stress on themselves. As a parent, your role is to support your child in reaching their full potential while instilling the importance of prioritizing their mental and physical well-being. Here are some vital messages they should internalize:
- Your physical and mental well-being should always come first. If you’re not feeling well, don’t hesitate to share your concerns with someone.
- Avoid comparing yourself to others. Remember, the purpose of school is to acquire knowledge, not solely to earn high grades.
- Understanding the subject matter is more crucial than rote memorization for the sake of getting an “A.” Receiving a lower grade isn’t a problem, but not comprehending the material may impact your future.
- When you find something challenging, reach out to your teacher or us for assistance. Asking so-called “simple” questions is far better than remaining uninformed.
- Feeling pre-exam nervousness is normal, but always keep in mind that school represents just a part of your life, and it should not jeopardize your health.
- Lastly, remember that your teacher is a human being too. They can fall ill, get tired, or make mistakes. Give them the benefit of the doubt and show them respect for all they do for you.
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Your child might have a hard time comprehending and keeping track of all the rules and protocols expected of them in a school setting. In order to prepare them for this, slowly start implementing them at home. You can have a set lunch time and snack time and can reduce the amount of time they are allowed to use gadgets at home. This way they won’t completely lose their minds when they go to school and there isn’t an iPad in sight. Your child may also have a hard time getting accustomed to sharing their space with other kids and making friends. Here’s what they need to know:
- Treat others with kindness. Bullying, which involves harming those weaker than you, is unacceptable. If someone bullies you or another child, please inform me, your teacher, or any trusted adult at school, and we will provide assistance.
- Breaking rules may result in consequences from your teacher, but no one should physically harm or ridicule you. If you ever feel mistreated, please share your concerns with us.
- You have the right to request bathroom breaks and to choose whether or not to eat. These rights are yours, and no one should force you to give them up.
- Develop good communication skills and practice empathy toward others. If a classmate is behaving rudely, try to resolve the issue among yourselves first before seeking assistance from a teacher.
Maintain discipline by following the rules. Rules are designed to make our lives smoother. Complete your homework, pay attention to your teacher, and prepare for school independently each evening. Going to school may be a huge change for your kids and the transition can be hard on them and on you. So be patient and prepare well so that things go as smoothly as possible. Happy parenting!
