Starting Primary School

Starting school for the first time can be a very exciting but daunting experience for both child and parents. Here are some tips to ensure that the first months of school are as smooth as possible.

1. Leading up to the ‘big day’ talk to your son or daughter about how exciting school will be. Ask them about their feelings and explore any issues that they raise in a positive light.

2. If you haven’t already find a friend that is starting at the same the school. Ask them over and encourage familiarity prior to commencing school. This way your child will have a familiar face there on the day and a friend to share the experience.

3. Make the first day a family affair. If possible both mum and dad should come along.

4. Schools often host a family picnic or BBQ in the early days of term 1. Try to attend these, they allow your child to assimilate even better with their peer group.

5. Particularly in the early days, while your child is adjusting, ensure that they get ample sleep. If a child is well rested they are more likely to get off to an emotionally  positive start for the day.

6. Start each day with a balanced breakfast.

7. Make sure that ‘the morning rush’ is as calm as possible. Try making lunches, ironing cloths and packing bags the night before. This allows for a calmer start for the day.

8. Make time every evening (dinner time is best) to sit down and ‘debrief’ for the day. This is great time for your to get a sense of how your child is going soicially and emotionally at school.