New experiences or change can fill us with trepidation and apprehension. We can manage these feelings to ensure that we are not overwhelmed. The same goes for our child.

Routines and structures are very soothing as they create a sense of order when we are overwhelmed. Make sure that you are organised, as this will assist your child to feel comfortable about this new experience.

As a parent it is important that our concerns about our child starting school are not projected on to them. Making statements like “ I will miss you” or “ You are such a big boy/girl now, can be anxiety provoking. A child can be concerned about their parent being unhappy away from them or have the expectation around being “big” as translating to having to do work or be faced with
experiences beyond them.

There needs to be a careful balance between promoting a positive expectation about school as well as acknowledging the child’s apprehension.

Promote the positive aspects of the school environment, meeting friends, learning how to do things, getting to play games. Having visual information about their school, photos, notes, school website available, as this will assist the child to identify and connect with their new environment.

Communication with school is important but ensure this occurs without the child
present. Email contact is best for teaching staff at the beginning of the year as it
is a very busy time. Identify who the relevant individuals are to respond to your
questions or concerns within the school community.

Attend orientation sessions, information sessions and social events. This is a great way to connect with families and become familiar with school community.

The diversity of children that present in any classroom is significant. Do not become alarmed if you feel your child is not at the same level as others or is not being enriched or extended. First term is the opportunity for the child to develop relationships with peers and teaching staff and learn to negotiate this new environment.

Learning takes many forms and these are the very first weeks of a many years of formal education.

TIPS AND IDEAS

How can I prepare my child?

• Encourage independence. Teach your child to carry their own bag, manage their lunch box, toilet, be able to remove their own jumper/jacket
• Start good sleep routines at least one week before school
• Read stories to children and discuss pictures and characters
• Be positive about school and learning
• It can be helpful if your child can recognise their own name
• Start using visual schedules in the home
• Visit the school grounds, on weekends, at pick up or drop off time, or observe the playground recess or lunch

On the first day

• Ensure the child understands the drop off procedure.
• Make sure they know where they will be picked up
• Don’t overwhelm them with information
• Don’t put too much food in their lunch box
• Be organised on the day so as to reduce stress
• Be positive and present as confident and calm, even if you don’t feel it
• Minimise the adults/family who attend drop off on the first da
• Once your child is involved in an activity, seated or engaged you should leave
• Goodbyes should be brief and avoid staying the classroom for too long
• Not too many kisses or “I’ll miss you”

During the first few weeks

• Give them time to download when they come home and don’t ask too many questions
• They will be tired and they may have a reduced appetite
• Just because they cannot recall who they played with does not mean they don’t have friends
• Try to avoid “school” conversations at bedtime
• Avoid the child being involved in new activities and extra play dates during first term
• Try to have consistency and predictability in the home environment
• If you have concerns about your child contact the school to make a time to discuss these.

Deirdre Brandner has over 30 years experiences as a Psychologist and more recently a published author. Deirdre provides practical and honest advise and support to both children, adolescents and their families, in the areas of Anxiety and Behavioural issues and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Deirdre is a registered Psychologist (AHPRA) and member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).