by Angie Wilcock, High Hopes     Five year olds all over the country are about to embark on their first week of 'big school'! Mums and dads are preparing to wipe away the tears, settle into a new routine of ‘pick-up’ and ‘drop-off’, and tackle the thirteen year journey ahead.

For many children and parents the first week is just the start of quite a lengthy process of adjustment.  For me, personally, losing my first child to school was like losing an arm! My boys were born thirteen months apart and, despite the financial strain, we decided that I would temporarily leave teaching and become a ‘stay at home’ mum until both boys were settled in school.

When we went out, I would call us the ‘Three Musketeers’….so when my oldest started school, there was a huge gap. He did not slide smoothly into school, despite having attended pre-school, which made it very difficult for me to leave him each day.

I had to employ all my mothering and teaching skills, along with a big dose of ingenuity, to overcome the daily dramas associated with walking through that school gate – and I am here to tell you that he survived, I survived and the ‘tricks’ DO work! So, for those of you who are suffering the ‘back to school blues’ – there is hope!

Here are a few positive tips to support your little one...and YOU! These tips might just help you survive not only the first week, but also well beyond that!

 
Be Positive!

Parents who have a positive attitude towards school will make a big impression on their children. Children are looking for support and confidence – so don’t show them your tears! Little rewards after school, ‘Friday Fun Days’ or ‘Play Dates’ gives your child a treat to look forward to at the end of the school week.

Talking AND Listening!

To help your child, especially through the first few weeks, spend time each day after school to talk about what they did, who they played with etc. LISTEN to what they tell you! Remind them of all those positive things when you take them to school next day and this may overcome the daily tears and uncertainties.

Communication

Make sure you have open lines of communication with your school, your child’s teacher and your child. Inform school of any special needs your child may have – medical, social, behavioural, learning. If there are any changes to family dynamics which are a little sensitive, speak to the teacher – your child’s behaviour may be misinterpreted if the class teacher doesn’t have the full picture! 

Routine

Establish a consistent routine before each school day. Plenty of sleep; a healthy breakfast; help your child pack the school bag (so they know what’s in it!); ensure they know where, when and by whom they will be collected after school.

Be Involved!

Research shows that parents’ active interest in their child’s learning has a positive effect on both their child’s learning and attitude towards school. If requested by the school/teachers, try to be involved in supporting classroom reading programs; computers; setting up craft activities; canteen; fund raising etc. The kids love it!

...For those parents whose children are making the transition to high school, these first few days and weeks are critical to their future years in high school. The tips already suggested for parents of children just beginning school are equally important for older children. Organisation, time management, routine – some kind of ‘system’ is vital if new high school students are to cope with the very big changes ahead.

What is the key? Adopt a system -sooner rather than later!

About the author 

She has presented at state conferences and worked directly with parents and students across Australia over the past four years, and in 2010 joined the Generation Next team - along with experts in their field such as Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, Paul Dillon and Dr Andrew Fuller - presenting to parents nationally on issues of adolescent mental health and well-being. She is also an online adviser on the US website AllExperts, and has had several articles on transition, learning styles and time management published in state and national education journals as well as on educational websites. Link: High Hopes

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