Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
How to help ease those first-day jitters
IT’S back-to-school time, which means social media will be awash with parents posting pictures of their children’s first day at school.
Another version of these pictures – and sometimes videos – are those of first-time Grade R learners crying because they do not like their new school.
Parenting expert Nikki Bush has shared tips on how to help your child ease into the new academic year and reach their full potential despite the change in environment, in a bid to improve your child’s emotional wellbeing.
“It is important to ensure your child is emotionally ready for school and adapts well to their new routine,” said Bush.
First-term jitters are also still a real thing for some children, especially those who are entering the classroom for the very first time.
Bush said the change in a child’s usual environment – in this case a new school, be it pre-primary, primary and high school and even moving onto the next grade – can mean they find it daunting and stressful to adapt.
“Parents all over the world agree, when kids are fretful and uneasy, mom and dad are too,” she said. To help learners cope better, Bush said activities that involve movement are highly beneficial, as these raise endorphins and can put agitated learners in a better mood.
She further suggests interactive movement games such as hide and seek.
Quality time with mom or dad may also eliminate stress, she said, and is important to helping the young ones relax. Playing games that can benefit the entire family – such as soccer, hopscotch, board games or lego – are also suggested.
“Parent- child interaction has a calming effect on kids. It means bonding as a family, which also acts as a channel of support for children, they feel safe and secure,” Bush said.
When it comes to dropping off your child at school, Bush said parents need to be flexible.
“If the child is more anxious with one parent than with the other, simply swop dropoff roles and don’t feel guilty about it.”