This autumn, many children are starting primary school for the very first time. It can be a scary and daunting but also an incredibly exciting time. Parents can help their children transition smoothly by helping children prepare emotionally, socially, and mentally. Learning mentor and former mental health nurse Patricia Gawthrope, from Park View Primary School, Prestwich, Greater Manchester, offers her top tips to help parents get their child ready. Patricia has just won a Silver award at the Pearson National Teaching Awards in the category ‘Unsung Hero’.
Preparation is Key – Make sure to have open discussions with your child about this big change. Discuss the new school, what activities they might take part in, and the new adults and friends they’ll meet. If you can, visit their new school and classroom so your child is familiar with their new environment.
Listen to their feelings – Listen to your child’s concerns and acknowledge their feelings. Reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous or anxious. Encourage expression through talking, drawing, or role-playing. Once they start, talk about their day, and ask what they’ve been up to and what activities they enjoyed. This will encourage positive association and give you the opportunity to tackle any negative feelings they might be experiencing.
Get involved – Communicate with your child’s teachers regularly. Make sure they are up to date with any situations happening at home, or any feelings your child may have been experiencing. They will be there to support your child through this transition as much as you are. Remember they see this every year, so will be the experts in how to help you both.
Build social connections – Reach out to parents who are going through the same thing, and ideally with children going to the same school as yours. Organising coffee or play dates for you and your child will help establish relationships between the children, and they will have a friendly face in the classroom from day one.
Maintain a positive attitude – Although this is a big change for you as well, it’s important to make sure this experience stays as positive as possible. Stay upbeat and calm to help your child feel reassured. When discussing learning, use positive language so your child will see this experience as something new and fun instead of something scary.
We know how scary this time can be for all the family so it’s important to always remember that this new beginning is a chance for your child to develop both academically and socially. School days are some people’s fondest memories, and this is a chance for your child to make the most of them.