Over the last two weeks, we have looked at school readiness issues. This week we are turning our attention to the various ways and means of settling your child at school. Whether it is starting a new school, or even just a new grade, the move can prove to be both unsettling and traumatic for the children involved (never mind their parents!). The following list can help guide both parent and child through this uncertain time.
1. Never prolong the goodbyes. Saying goodbye quickly helps your child separate more easily, and also assists her class teacher in taking over the situation without your interference.
2. Don’t let your child see how upset you may be over their tears. Your heightened emotions will only intensify the whole situation for them.
3. Make sure that you clearly explain to your child who will be picking them up from school and where and when this will occur. This knowledge will help allay some of their fears.
Some children take longer than others to settle into a new environment. This will be very much based on temperament and personality and it is entirely normal that some children take longer to adapt. Try not to start stressing and worrying too soon over whether this is an indication that they may have serious anti-social tendencies. However, if your child is still struggling with their new school environment a couple of weeks into the new term, then try the following tips.
1. Ensure you communicate clearly and regularly with their class teacher. Your child may be crying only over the trauma of separating from you, rather than it being a specific problem with the school itself. Find out from the teacher whether they are crying all day, or if they cheer up once you are out of sight.
2. Another indication that their struggle to settle may be a serious issue is whether or not they are displaying ‘unhappy-at-school’ symptoms even after they come home. If your child is crying during the afternoon, struggling with their ‘at-home’ routine, or regressing in any way, then these may well be signs that their struggles at school are a more serious issue than you initially supposed. If this is the case then inform your child’s teacher, and consider taking the advice of a professional child psychologist or other qualified professional.
All in all, settling your children at school can be both demanding and challenging. But hang in there as 9 times out of 10, in just a couple of weeks your child will be clamouring to get to school!
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This article has been written by Jane Killeen, a qualified Remedial teacher and classroom teacher of many years experience.