How Can Parents Help Make The Transition To School Easier?

All schools have different ways of selecting and meeting new students. Some schools will be introduced to your child through an interview process in which you take your child with you.

If you have the time on the day of your interview why not take a look around the school with your little person. This may give you both an idea of where your little person will be spending their time.

Whilst your child is attending their childcare service, try and encourage your child to be responsible for their belongings. Whilst this may take a lot of practice, it certainly makes life a lot easier if your child can learn from an early age to be responsible for their belongings.

Here are a few tips.

• Start by getting them to wear or use items and then put them away. Perhaps start with a hat. Most schools require the children to wear one when playing outside.
• Try to encourage your child to be responsible for their socks and shoes. It is not uncommon for children starting school to be unable to do their shoes this includes laces and buckles.
• Take your child to your local library and source books on 'starting school'
• Have practise sessions on putting their uniform, socks and shoes on.
• You might like to consider, your child wearing their school shoes before starting school to break them in.
• Praise and encourage your child when they are looking after their possessions.
• Buy a lunch box and encourage them to open/shut the box and to put it away at the end of their meal.

Routine.

Another issue that often comes up after little people start school is how tired and cranky they can become. There are so many changes occurring and a new life in big school can be tiring.

One of the best ways to alleviate this problem it to look closely at your families home routine before the school year commences.

Here are some tips.

• Look at bedtime routines. It is important that you work out what time your little person needs to be in bed. Every child is different. Some children need more time to relax before falling asleep.
• Consider adjusting bedtime preparation rituals to make it easier for bed time- e.g earlier baths or teeth brushing.
• Consider nighttime or quiet games that help your child relax and calm down. This can make it easier for them to get into bed and fall asleep.
• Discuss with your child what you expect from them, eg. After 'Rug Rats' we will have a story then its bedtime.

Mornings.

Mornings are a hectic time for families trying to get out of the door, when your child is starting school, work out with your partner and child your routine. Your routine might include looking at issues such as breakfast, making lunches, T V and travelling time.

Weekends & school holidays are an ideal opportunity for children and families to relax from busy routines. It may take some time for your child to adjust to breaks in routine but over time they will get in to the swing of things.