Preparing your child for his first day at school

Fear, tears, homesickness- these are the vivid memories I have of my first day at school. You may find it incredible but I clearly remember how the teachers had to call back my parents to take me back home because I would just not stop wailing. Especially for students who are as shy and nervous as I was as a child, it becomes even more difficult to leave their homes even if only for a few hours and adjust to an alien environment. Hence, it is important that as parents, you ensure that you prepare your child for his first day at school. 

Children of such small age may not understand everything completely, but they do absorb a lot. Visit the day school for kids with your child and show him around to familiarise him with his second home. Show him his classroom, toilets, playroom, playground, etc. before he sets out for his first day. 

If possible, try and meet the teacher with your child. Your child would be more at ease on his first day if he has already met the teacher before. The purpose of the visit should be nothing other than breaking the ice. Simple things like the child saying hello to the teacher, talking about his hobbies, and/or talking about making new friends is sufficient. 

It’s extremely important to talk to your child and making him comfortable about the idea of going to school. Children should be mentally prepared before their first day of school. For instance, you could introduce the concept of school through a children’s movie, TV show, or book. Talking about things like the school timings, pick-drop procedures, learning new things, etc. can also put the child at ease. 

Another important thing before sending your child to school is helping him learn to recognise and write his name. Employ fun methods and activities to help him do so before the first day of school. 

There are always teachers and other staff available to help out the little children with these tasks. But some basic knowledge is essential and teaching this would help the child in many ways. 

The above-mentioned points would surely help you prepare your child a little better for his first day at school. My shy cousin recently started going to one of the child day schools in Noida and the above points really helped his parents prepare him thoroughly for his first day at school. You can’t be with your child 24/7 but you can definitely prepare him for any challenge and situation he may face at school or in life later on. Your words of encouragement and wisdom would definitely guide him to the right direction. Don’t worry and best of luck!

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