Five ways to make sure your child is ready

and raring to go (to school or pre school)

During the holidays children tune out from school. A break is good for your child’s mental health as well as giving them an opportunity to enjoy being a kid. Let’s face it, many of our pleasant childhood memories involve holidays of some type.

As holidays draw to a close it is useful to turn your child’s attention to school and help him or her get ready for the year ahead. Some kids are excited by the prospect of going to school or pre school, whereas others are less than thrilled that holidays are over and reality is about to kick in.

Here are five ways to make the going-to-school experience a little easier for your child:

1. Be positive about the year ahead. Children often pick up the cues of their parents so your attitude to school or pre school, your child’s teacher and learning can set the scene for a positive year ahead. Often children’s fears and concerns about a particular grade level or class disappear on the first day, so talk school up even if you have some reservations yourself.

2. Readjust routines at least a few days ahead. In the days leading up to the start of school or pre school begin to readjust children’s routines in line with their routine they will experience when they start school. In particular, bedtimes and wake up times can begin to resemble those of the school year.

3. Involve kids in the preparation. School and pre school is about children so encourage them to participate in the purchase and preparation of uniforms, books and stationery for the coming year. School starters may even wear their uniform prior to the first day.

4. Arrange to meet with or travel with a friend. Anyone who has been to a conference or seminar on their own will know that it is the social aspects that can cause most stress. “Will I know anyone?” “Who will I sit next to?” can be the type of issues that occupy your mind. Kids are no different. They can be nervous and anxious about social aspects of school, particularly if they are starting a new school or going into a class with few friends. It may be useful to arrange to travel to school with a friend or even meet a friend at school to ease initial nerves.

5. Be on time on the first day. This is important for children to help settle into class and not disrupt others or themselves. Psychologically the way start something tends to set the scene for what is to become. So start the year the right way.

A word of warning: Don’t be surprised if some young children are less than perfect when they come home from school or pre school in the first days of term.

Sticking to the rules and routines of school after the freedom of holidays can be hard work for some children, particularly of the male variety. It’s not unusual for them to blow off a little steam in the relative security of home. So be prepared for your patience and understanding to be stretched a little.

It’s worthwhile remembering that most kids put on their best face at school and save their worst behaviour for their parents. Such is the way of parenting!!

For more great ideas to help your child learn visit www.parentingideas.com.au