Every little child dreads being separated from their parents and taken away from the comfort of their home. And why not? There is a sense of security, of certainty and of belonging at home which one can’t find anywhere. Not without reason is there a clichĂ© which goes like this – “home sweet home”. But obviously, it isn’t possible to keep your children at home, no matter how much they want it. Before long they do have to start on school!
But before you send your child off to school, you must prepare for it. That first day at school and how your child responds to it is a crucial step in the development of your child. Start talking to your child at least a month before their first day at school. Try and make school seem like a wonderful place – a home away from home. Of course, all this talking might not help if you don’t go about it properly. The best approach for a particular child depends on the kind of personality that your child has.
Then get started on school like activities. Get hold of interactive CDs, teach your child(ren) the alphabet). Buy worksheets, coloring matter and the like. You can plan out “fun” yet educative activities for your children. But do stay within limits, going overboard and pressurizing your kids can backfire…badly.
What’s the most important part of school life when your child just starts out?
Company and support – yes I’m talking about friends. Try and find out which other children are going to school and figure out a way in which your child can interact with at least one or two of them. That way, they won’t be at a loss and intimidated beyond words on that all-important first day. They’ll find a few familiar faces which will provide solace to them.
A week or two before school is due to start; you really have to pull up your socks. Start getting your child used to a regular sleep pattern. That will help you prepare them better for school and they won’t find it hard to fit in school in their daily routine. Concentrate mainly on when they wake up as that will help you prepare them for school and we all know what a task that can be!
The night before D-Day, make sure you have all the necessary supplies for school. A school bag, pencils, colors, exercise books and additional stationary (if specified) is a must, along with a water bottle. Do ensure to plan a nutritious and filling lunch if your child is planning on taking one. Also take special pains preparing a heavy breakfast.
You’re going to be in a tearing hurry in the morning, no matter how prepared you are (for those who don’t know, it’s next to impossible preparing a stubborn child for school!), so try and make it before bedtime. Last, but not the least, don’t forget to give your baby that all-important hug before you drop them off!
