Parenting Australia

Ready Or Not!

We often talk about “school readiness” in terms of how prepared a child is to begin full time schooling, but what about you as a parent? Are you prepared for the transition to this new phase?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but your child is heading off to big school, whether you’re ready or not! Here are a few things that might help you to prepare yourself as you prepare your child for the transition to school life.

Catherine Oehlman

Are you ready for... goodbyes? Saying goodbye on the first morning of school, and throughout that first week brings many parents to tears. If your child has been home with you fulltime for the past few years this is particularly hard. It’s a great idea to leave your child at a friend’s place a few times so that YOU can practise saying goodbye. The goodbye you give your child should reassure them that they’ll be safe and happy here. Don’t forget that your child will pick up on your tone of voice and non verbals as well as the words you use. I recommend getting down to their level, looking them in the eye with a smile and saying something like, “It’s time for Mummy to go now so that you can have a great day. I can’t wait to hear all about it when I pick you up after lunch. All your things are here in your bag. I love you!” Then show them where you are putting their bag, give them a quick but reassuring hug and leave with a confident wave.

Are you ready for... teachers? Teaching isn’t a job you go into because the pay is great (trust me) or the hours are good (another myth). Chances are the person who is teaching your child genuinely loves kids and only wants the best for your child. And regardless of whether or not they are what you expect, you are going to have to work together for a whole year so you might as well get off on the right foot. If you see yourself and the teacher on the same team, the year will be a lot easier.

Are you ready for... dramas? Relationships are tricky to navigate. They are hard enough for adults, let alone for young children. There will be times when your child has a falling out with a friend, or is upset by another child, or feels left out, or gets into trouble. Try not to make any mountains out of molehills. When dramas arise, remember that your child isn’t perfect, and they can only tell you about their view of the situation. If things are serious don’t “confront” your child’s teacher. You’re much more likely to reach a good outcome if you book an appointment and have a conversation about it with them.

Are you ready for... routine? Routine is so important for kids, and your child will need your help to deal with the new schedules. You’ll need to be on the ball with library days, swimming days, which uniform to wear when, assemblies, and more. That means staying informed about what’s happening at school, and being organised at home yourself. A visual schedule on your child’s door can help both of you!

Are you ready for... down time? Your child will be working hard mentally, emotionally and physically. Be prepared for them to fall apart or fall asleep after school! Don’t overschedule their down time and don’t keep them up late. They have to do it all again tomorrow and so do you.

Are you ready for... big school? Because ready or not, here it comes!!

How do you feel about your child going to "big school''? If you've already been through a child entering 'big school' how did you cope? Share your tips with other Parenting Australia readers in the comment box below.

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Catherine Oehlman is a SAHM currently being raised by a terrific toddler and a curious crawler. Her background in primary education, love of the mothering journey and compulsion for writing collide on her SquiggleMum blog. Cath encourages other parents from all walks of life to maximise the time they spend with their children.

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