Hyping up first day at school ‘causes anxiety in children’

PARENTS are being advised not to hype up their child’s first day at school – as it may lead to the youngster becoming anxious.

With many households preparing to send their little ones to primary school for the first time over the coming days, parenting website MummyPages.ie is offering tips on how to ensure a smooth transition.

And it is advised that, instead of creating hype in the run-up to the big day, mothers and fathers should ‘play school’ at home with their child, in order to give them an idea of what they will encounter.

If a child is showing signs that they are anxious about starting, or returning to, school, parents should not to dismiss their child’s worries, and instead remind them of previous occasions where they overcame their fears. The parenting website advises that the child should be brought to the school before term begins to allow them to become familiar with the building.

And when the time comes for parents to leave their child in the classroom, they are advised not to linger; instead, they should give the youngster a quick hug and kiss and remind them who will be picking them up, before leaving.

‘Starting school is a huge milestone in a child’s life,’ said Laura Erskine, head of community for MummyPages.ie. ‘Whether kids are anxious about leaving their parents, or full of excitement for the day ahead, mums and dads play an integral role in helping them prepare.’