5 Tips for a Stress Free Start to School

A recent study has revealed that some pre-schoolers are significantly stressed for up to six months prior to their first day at ‘big school'.

The research, conducted by Britain's Economic and Social Research Council, concluded that the frequent cause of this stress is the cues children receive from their anxious parents!

After all of that worry about when to send a child to school and what school to select, it's no wonder that parents are stressed out!

Yet teachers and children's health professionals report that many families fail to recognise that they are projecting their fears and concerns on to their children.

Kids are very intuitive and easily pick up on their parents' emotions. Visual cues like body language and facial expressions, as well as adult conversations overheard by young ears all contribute to a child's perception of their world.

To ensure a confident and happy start to school, it's important to take a positive, practical approach.

 
Here are Kids First's top tips for a Stress Free start to school:

1. Give your child opportunities to be apart from you.
Trusted friends and short activities led by other adults, such as an early learning program or junior art class can be very helpful in avoiding separation anxiety! You don't have to leave your child for hours on end - but by increasing your child's exposure to teachers, you will help your child to develop a sense of self that is separate from you.

2. Set up play dates with children who will attend your child's school
Ask your child's pre-school staff to introduce you to parents of other children who are going to enrol at your child's new school and who will share your child's first day. A familiar face can make the playground less daunting in those first weeks of school.

3. Visit your child's new school as often as you can.
Take a camera with you and take photos so that your child can locate their classroom, toilet block, bag area, playground and other areas they will need to know. Make these into a story book that your child can read in the coming months. Your child's familiarity with their new environment will create confidence and reduce their fear of the unknown.

4. Encourage your child to be independent and self reliant.
Now is the time to support your child as he or she learns to do things for themselves. Next year, they will not have someone on hand to help them every time they come up against a challenge - so whether it's opening a lunch box, using scissors or getting dressed, teach your child to try first and then ask for help. By all means, let them know that you are there to support and guide them through these challenges, but try to avoid doing everything for them. Self reliance is an important skill that will be needed in their kindergarten classroom next year.

5. RELAX and enjoy the moment!
You've made the decisions and now it's time to enjoy the ride. Attend Kindy orientation days and talk positively with your child about their new adventure. Ask questions when you need to, and most of all, trust that the teachers in your child's new school have the experience and skill guide you all through this period of change.

It's an exciting time and you wouldn't want to miss it!