4 Essential Strategies for Parents to Help Little Hearts Get Excited for School

Kindergarten and first grade students have started their education life as of today. Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen said that love and support are of great importance for children to adapt to the school process in this period of excitement and anxiety for both children and parents, and offered suggestions to guide parents so that children can welcome this new experience in a peaceful and enjoyable way.

The first days of school can be exciting and a little worrisome for both children and parents. Every parent wants their child to be prepared for this new adventure in the best way possible and to have a happy and safe start to school life. However, this process can sometimes seem complicated and challenging. Altınbaş University Psychology Department and APAM Center Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen explained that this period can be made pleasant and peaceful by trying to understand the needs of the child and listening to their feelings. Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen, defining the child's stepping into the school period as an important process, stated that it is necessary to support them with love and make them feel safe and comfortable. Reminding that families and children are together on this journey, Prof. Dr. Şirvanlı Özen said, “Not everything has to be perfect. The important thing is that your child feels that you are with them and that they know that they are not alone in taking this important step.”

Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen listed her recommendations that make the process easier for both students and parents under 4 main headings as follows:

1- How can you support your child before starting school?

• Let routines make you feel comfortable: Before school starts, a great step is to help your child get used to a daily routine. Getting up early in the mornings and having breakfast together makes them feel more secure as they prepare for school.
• Introducing school is easier together: School can sometimes feel like a big and unknown place for children. Explaining to them what school is like, what kind of things they will do there and even visiting the school beforehand can help both you and them get through this process more easily.
• Enjoy the shopping: Shopping for school supplies can be an enjoyable time to spend with your child. Choosing a bag, pen or notebook that they will like makes starting school a little more exciting.

2- Orientation is also an adventure for parents

• Everyone has their own adjustment period: During the orientation period, it is important to recognize that your child may have different emotions. Being there for them and sharing their worries and excitement will help them to relax. Be kind to yourself during this time; not everything has to be perfect.
• Stay in touch with the school: Meeting the teachers and other school staff will make you and your child feel more confident. Knowing what the school expects and how they can support you makes this process easier.
• They relax as social bonds are established: It may take some time for your child to make new friends. Encourage them and try to create environments where they can socialize outside of school. Making new friends is a big step towards them liking school.

3- Understanding and helping your children with their anxiety and stress

• Don't overlook small signs: Sometimes children cannot express their anxiety directly. Symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches or sleep problems can signal stress in their inner world. Listening carefully and showing understanding can ease their anxiety.
• Overcoming difficult times together: Talking to your child about their feelings can help them share their inner world. Instead of saying “Why are you feeling this way?”, saying “This seems to be worrying you a bit, we can talk about it if you want” can encourage them to be more open.
• Some play, some relaxation: One way to help your child cope with stress is to spend time with them doing activities they enjoy. Playing games together, drawing or listening to music can help them relax.

4- Challenges you may face after starting school and ways to support them

• Every child's pace is different: It is normal for your child to face academic or social challenges at school. The important thing is to make them feel that you are there for them and support them every step of the way. If necessary, talk to teachers to find out how you can better support your child.
• Friendships can take time: Building a social circle happens at a different pace for each child. Allow and support them to make friends at their own pace, without forcing them. You can also direct them to out-of-school activities to develop their social skills.
• Be prepared for emotional fluctuations: Starting school can be emotionally challenging for children. Sometimes one day can be great and the next day can be difficult. These ups and downs are normal. By giving them emotional support, you can help them get through this process more easily.