Parents' attitudes when starting school determine children's success
Altınbaş University Psychology Department Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen addressed important points for parents as the new academic year begins.
As the new academic year begins, attention is drawn to the importance of parents' approach during their children's adjustment to school. Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen, a faculty member at Altınbaş University's Department of Psychology, emphasized that parental attitudes are decisive in children's academic and emotional development.
Prof. Dr. Özen stated that reactions such as anxiety, stomachaches, or crying may be seen in children when they start school, adding, “These reactions are natural. Instead of ignoring these feelings, parents should accept them and reassure their children.”
Stressing the need to focus on adaptation rather than pressure to succeed, Prof. Dr. Özen said, “The most important process during the first days of school is for the child to make friends, get to know their teacher, and adapt to the new routine. Therefore, parents should focus on their children's adaptation rather than their academic performance.”
Stating that routine gives children a sense of security, Özen said, “Getting children who have been on vacation back into a sleep and eating routine provides discipline and gives children the feeling that ‘there are reliable boundaries in my life.’”
Prof. Dr. Özen, stating that parents should be on the same side as teachers, said, “When your child comes home and complains about their teacher, choose to listen rather than immediately taking sides. Working together with the teacher strengthens the child's view of school and authority.”
Reminding that school is not just about lessons, Özen said that social relationships are as valuable as academic success, adding, “Parents should ask their children, ‘Who did you play with?’ as well as ‘What grade did you get today?’”
Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen concluded her remarks as follows:
“The greatest support for a child's school journey is understanding, order, and cooperation at home. When parents make their children feel that they are there for them, they provide them with a strong roadmap not only for school but also for life.”