Starting primary school is one of the most important transition periods in a child's life. The differences between the family environment and the school environment can sometimes lead children to experience a smooth, and sometimes a problematic adaptation process to school. Not every child can adapt to school in the same way. Those who are overly sheltered by their parents tend to face more difficulties in this regard. Traumatic events, such as the recent loss of a family member, can also lead to a painful process. If the family environment is tense and conflicts are occurring, the child's mind may remain at home, and they may fear not being able to find their mother or father when they return home. Sometimes, this situation can lead to the child, who is very disturbed by the negative environment at home, feeling better at school. Ultimately, adapting to school is not always easy, even for happy and joyful children who do not have significant issues in their lives, and it is even more challenging for children experiencing the types of problems we mentioned. The attitude of parents is extremely important for children to succeed in adapting to their educational life.
Beginnings in life are almost always two-sided; a person feels both excitement and anxiety. A child's start to primary school is an important change for both themselves and their family. A child who will begin to spend a certain part of the day away from their home, separate from their parents, in an environment very different from home, is expected to take on new responsibilities and follow new rules, so it is quite natural for them to feel anxious and worried, and sometimes to experience school anxiety. Under normal circumstances, they begin to show adaptation to school without spending too much time. However, for children who have not made any progress even after weeks, it may be necessary to seek professional support. You should not wait too long thinking, "They will get used to it one day," as children who experience problems for a long time during the adaptation process to school may fail in their lessons.
If you are a mother who never leaves your child's side, meets all their needs, and says "Yes" to everything they want, it may be more difficult for your child to adapt to school compared to a child who has become more independent, taken on more responsibilities, and is accustomed to the answer "No." The bond of love between mothers and their children is one thing, while excessive attachment is another; the latter can lead to problems in such situations.
How Can You Help Your Child Adapt to School?
*First of all, you need to remain calm and avoid creating dramatic separation scenes. Children sense their parents' anxiety, and this anxiety can spread to them.
*Encourage your child to dream about school and school life, and to be curious about the environment and this newness in their life.
*You will buy school supplies for them and start gradually transforming their room into a student's room. While shopping and organizing their room, offer them options and get their opinion.
*Get books that tell stories about starting school and read them together with your child. If necessary, also include stories about the problems experienced during the adaptation to school. These stories, which end positively, will boost their morale.
*Although some school officials may prefer this method, it is not right to leave a very anxious, crying child on the first day of school and just walk away. If your child is very reactive to you leaving them at school, gradually distance yourself from the school by talking to the administrators.
*Provide detailed information about school to your child and answer all their questions. Explain how much time they will spend at school in a way they can understand, with concrete examples.
*Make sure they understand that you do not consider not going to school as an alternative and that you are quite determined about this. If they cause problems, do not express this determination in a harsh and hurtful way. You should act calmly, understandingly, and gently, but they should never hope that you will give up sending them to school.
*Do not create the impression that you prefer or like a child who does not cause problems. Never mock your child's fear. On the contrary, tell them that you understand them. And have convincing conversations about how this feeling is temporary.
Child Development and Education
