Preparing for School

Parenting Australia

Early Learning

Education

5 Votes

Preparing your child for the first day of school can be a daunting task physically, financially and emotionally. You may need a whole new wardrobe of school clothes, shoes, a hat and school bag which will be filled with pencils, books, a lunch box and drink bottle. Not only do you have to be prepared with all the school requirements but you will also need to prepare your child and yourselves as parents for the emotional changes you will face.

Your child needs you to be calm and confident. To give them the confidence that everything is ok and this is a normal part of growing up, it is better for your child if you do not show any fear or anxiety. If you are showing any hesitation about them starting school or being away from you, your child will pick this up and also become fearful and anxious which is not a good start. This is especially true when you drop your child off at school. Be positive, walk confidently, hand in hand as you enter the school. You may like to stay awhile with your child until he/she settles or you can introduce them to another child so that they can help each other adjust to their new environment.

If possible prepare your child in advance by visiting the school. Take a walk around the premises, through the play ground, to the toilet block and meet the teacher. Talk about the things they will be doing - learning to read and write, playing sports and making new friends. It is often helpful if you already know some of your child’s friends who will be attending the same school.

A good way to meet other parents is to have them visit your home or join them in a local park for play with their child. Schools are often very happy to help you organise a parents gathering.

Your child will need plenty of sleep to be alert in the classroom. A child should be having 12 hours sleep at night to help their little brains and bodies develop and to help their immune systems recharge. Remember they will be very tired after their big day at school especially if they have previously been having a day sleep. They will also have burned up lots of energy and will probably be hungry, therefore have healthy snacks and a fresh drink with you when you pick them up after school or have an early dinner and a piece of fruit before an early bed.

It is not always easy to arrange your new schedule. You may need to be up earlier than usual to prepare the family and get out of the house on time without too much of a rush. Prepare as much as you can the night before by laying out the school clothes including undies and putting the socks with the shoes. Shoes should have been worn in before wearing them to school otherwise your child may have to contend with the discomfort of blisters as well as nerves on his/her first day.

Pack the school bag with all items bar the perishables and put the bag on the kitchen counter ready to pack with the lunch and snacks before you leave. It might be wise to pack a spare pare of undies in case of accidents. Go through the school check list making sure all items have been put into the bag. Give your child an early night before school starts.

Mums, be prepared for separation anxiety. If this is the first time you and your child have had a day apart you too may find it difficult. If you are a single child family and a stay at home mum you may have to prepare yourself for a quiet home. You may also be looking forward to returning to full or part time work and this can help you to keep your mind of the fact that your little one is no longer around. You may find talking things over with your partner helps ease the stress.

For those who have little ones still at home you will need to plan their sleeps around the school drop offs and pickups. Younger siblings often learn to sleep to and from school in the car or pram. It is not always easy for mums to find someone to babysit younger siblings while they sleep but once you get to know other parents whose children attend the same school you may be able to share the school runs.

With one at school you have more time to enjoy more one-on-one time with those still at home but remember to give lots of attention to your school child when they arrive home as they may feel left out and need extra reassurance and attention.

Allow time at the end of each school day to chat about what happened. You will learn the most on the way home from school so a chat about the day in the car or walking should be daily routine. There may be lots of questions that you cannot answer. Don’t be afraid to ask their teacher. Have a children’s dictionary and atlas close at hand - you will find these a valuable source of information to help answer some of their new questions. Homework can start early in some schools but if not you should be reading daily to them already. They can soon start to help read the books you enjoy before bed. Try not to do their homework for them. Their school work is for them to learn through, not to show how great an artist their mum is or how wiz bang dad is on computer layouts. They will also be full of new knowledge, be interested and share what you know too.

It is an exciting time and a milestone to remember. Photos are a great way to remember this memorable day. Your little one is growing up; the apron strings are being stretched.

This article was written by mothercraft nurse Sally Hall from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions. If you would like more information on similar parenting topics please go to www.cradle2kindy.com.au