HOW CAN WE SUPPORT THE GETTING-USED-TO-SCHOOL PROCESS?

Back-to-school time brings with it inevitable changes for children and families: a new kindergarten; like a new class and new teachers.

Periods of change are exciting opportunities for children to learn and grow. Parents and educators play an important role in helping the child feel safe in transitioning to a new educational environment. Of course, these turning points in the child's life also cause anxiety. Strengthening the bond between educators and families will help make the transition easier for both children and adults.

How Can Families Help?

Be enthusiastic about change. If you look excited but also confident, your child will feel that way too.

Prepare yourself. It should not be forgotten that the readiness of your child for school is closely related to the readiness of the parents. You should support your child by trusting the school and the teacher.

Start creating daily routines that will ensure continuity. Get her involved in simple tasks such as packing her bag and preparing her clothes. It will also help to start an earlier bedtime practice a few weeks beforehand.

Preparing your child's belongings the night before reduces morning hustle and bustle. Bustle increases stress and anger; This creates an obstacle to the happy start you want.

Each child's adaptation process to a new environment-school is different. In this process, you must trust him, give him the opportunity, and support him by being determined to adapt and succeed.

Take extra time to chat and spend time together, especially on the first day. But when it's time to say goodbye, try not to take too long. If your child doesn't want to leave and clings to you, staying there longer will only make the separation more difficult. So when you leave, be firm but sincere, never make fun of her for crying or use derogatory words. Use supportive statements instead, such as “It's hard to say goodbye, I understand you”.

Do not rush to return home. Your child may want to show you what they did at school during the day when you come to pick them up. Don't be surprised if he may seem unhappy or angry or want to stay longer when he sees you. This means that he also needs time to leave. You can show him that you think the school is a good place to spend time and chat with teachers or other parents.

If you're going to be late to pick it up, try to let me know. If it is clear in advance that you may be late to pick up your child, be sure to share it with him. Your child can learn to look at the clock so that it is not yet time to go home.

We know that as parents, you are just as excited as the children.

In this process, you should be in communication and cooperation with the teacher, the school guidance service, you should be at the school at the times specified for you and you should not keep your child waiting. In the first days of school, your expectation from your child and school should be that he or she spends the day happy and fun. Therefore, in the first days, you should be patient about changing or improving your child's habits such as feeding and toilet.