The first bell for a freshman. How to help your child go to school without stress and fear?

The first and most important step is to have a frank conversation with your child about the upcoming changes. Children often have their own fears about starting school in a new environment. After all, the change from kindergarten to school is a huge revolution for them - new place, new people, new rules.

- Above all, it is worth remembering not to downplay the child's feelings in such a conversation. Some parents think that a tough approach and words such as "don't worry" or "come on, what can happen?" will toughen the child. However, they can do more harm than good and make us amplify anxiety," explains pedagogue Paulina Drzewicka, deputy director of the Krzyś and Silver Anchor kindergartens in Gdansk and an expert of the #MAMYNATORADA guidance platform of the All-Poland Educational Operator Foundation. - This is all the more important because at school a child may face different treatment from peers. Not every student will be a friend, and some may even cause problems.

Therefore, it is worth listening and understanding what exactly is worrying the toddler. Such an empathetic conversation can not only dispel many doubts, but also build a sense of security and support in the child.

Independence as the key to success

Another important part of preparation is learning independence. In kindergartens, children learn basic tasks such as dressing up or tying their shoes, but at school the requirements are much greater. Parents should therefore ensure that their child is able to handle basic activities on their own to avoid unnecessary stress.

- It is also important here to skillfully talk to the child about independence and not scare him or her with the need to cope alone. The child will gladly take on challenges, as long as we give him practical preparation," Paulina Drzewicka suggests. - Let's teach the basics, i.e. dressing up, changing shoes, as well as keeping an eye on one's belongings and handling them.

An expert from the Nationwide Educational Operator Foundation advises going for a walk or a ride to the new school with your child. Show him or her the road and the place he or she will frequent from now on. This will allow the future student to get to know the hitherto undiscovered area, and even become initially familiar with it

Support for parents in the first days of school

- A good preparation for the first school experience is to complete a layette together. For the child, such a ritual can cause him to feel excitement at the thought of first-grade life instead of stress, the educator encourages. - So, if financially possible, let him choose such things as a backpack, pencil case and gym clothes.

The first days at school, in turn, are a time of adaptation. It is important to monitor how the child copes with new responsibilities, but at the same time not to put too much pressure.

Parents should also be alert to any signs that something is wrong - problems at school can range from learning difficulties to conflicts with peers. In such situations, it is crucial for the child to feel that he can always count on his parents and not be afraid to report problems.

Hints for the parent:

l Talk to your child about his concerns and expectations about school. Don't downplay his or her feelings.

l Take a walk with your child to the new school to get him accustomed to the new place.

l Prepare the child to perform basic activities independently.

l Support you in your new responsibilities and respond immediately to any problems.

Source: press release

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The advice is part of the #MAMYNATORADA social project, which aims to support parents in taking care of their children's proper development. The free guides for parents are developed by experienced educators, child psychologists and speech therapists with practice in schools and kindergartens: https://operator.edu.pl/pl/poradnia