Previous
The fear factor of starting school – and that’s just the mums
Added: (Thu Aug 24 2006)
PRESS RELEASE August 2006
The fear factor of starting school – and that’s just the mums
More than 70% of mothers preparing their child to start school in September are actually more anxious than their child about the event.
In a recent survey conducted by www.pleasemiss.co.uk, parents confided their fears about releasing their children to start school for the first time. And while the first day at school conjures visions of bawling children grabbing at mum’s skirts, it’s actually the parents who are falling apart.
Only 15% of parents thought that their child would be nervous and require some assistance for the first few days. Yet 71% of parents said they would have a lump in their throat and be harbouring a number of concerns about how their child would cope.
Many went on to confess that actually their main fear was that they would miss their child and that the first day at school represented a new era for their family - - - and the first milestone of independence for their brood.
On a more practical note, however, the majority of mums admitted they were looking forward to more ‘me time’ and a few peaceful trips around Tesco.
Most children adapt remarkably quickly and many simply can’t wait to get at the new books, toys and exciting new environment. Sue Doyle, Editor of www.pleasemiss.co.uk offers a number of helpful tips to assist both parents and children on the big day:
Top Tips – Before Term Starts
· Don’t forget to label all clothes – you can get pre-printed labels which iron or stick onto anything, or simple write-on & iron-on labels from department stores or uniform shops. It’s well worth the effort and makes rummaging through lost property boxes much easier.
· Think about giving your child a special hook at home for their school bags and coats etc. This will make the morning rush less frantic.
· If you’ve only visited the school once or twice, a few drive-bys or walk-pasts may be a good idea to show your child where they will be going.
· Re-check the information you received from the school regarding start/finish times and the school routine.
· Keep the school calendar handy and double check term start dates – I’ve missed a whole day because I thought there would be a staff training day!
· Prepare your child by talking frequently about school, the fun they will have and the friends they will make. If other children you know are starting on the same day, try to arrange walking into school together.
· If your child is sad about leaving friends behind, buy them a letter-writing kit so they can keep in touch. You could also take photos of the friends together for your child to keep. It won’t take long for them to make new friends and the old ones will probably be forgotten!
For younger children:
· Your child must be dry in the daytime at most nursery schools – talk to the teacher if there are any problems in this area.
· Make sure they wear easy-to-remove clothing for school to help them look after themselves – most nurseries do some form of PE and the children may need to remove or change clothing.
· Buy them Velcro fastening shoes rather than those with laces.
· Arrange a day out for yourself to mark the occasion – and to take your mind off the worry!
Top Tips - On the Day
· Starting school is a big step for the family and could be a great excuse for a celebration! Maybe give your child a good luck card or small present and arrange a special tea after school.
· If you don’t normally do the school run, try and make an exception for a couple of days to reassure your child.
· Some schools stagger new children joining the class so they can give them more attention, so check for your child’s start day.
· You will have some idea already whether your child will run towards the Lego without a backward glance, or cling to you until you can’t breathe. Try and put yourself in your child’s shoes and think how they are feeling. If you think they will cling, be brave and trust the teacher. Try whatever they recommend – you may be asked to hover outside until they settle or even stay with them for the first session. Or they may think it is easier to cut and run.
· Try and get a good breakfast or lunch inside them as it’s a long half-day. Breakfast makes a real difference to their energy levels and performance in class.
· Start a good routine that suits you from day one. Force yourself to get organised and teach your children to start looking after their things (how long this will take, I still couldn’t tell you!).
· Let your child rest more this week as they will be tired. And make sure they get enough sleep at night ……………
· Work up to homework at a sensible pace and don’t worry if you think there’s too much or too little – just see how things develop in the first term.
Little things that cause BIG stress:
· Not enough change for lunch money
· Lost bags/PE kit
· Positions in the car (organise a rota – lay down the rules from day 1)
· Home-time hunger (have a snack ready at the school gate!)
· Homework…..
More about www.pleasemiss.co.uk
PleaseMiss.co.uk is a straight-talking, information-rich resource for carers, parents, grandparents and professionals who need answers to just about any question relating to a child’s school life.
From SATs to school dinners, to nits and worms, to curriculum and special needs, Pleasemiss.co.uk has all the information parents will need but may be afraid to ask! We help parents understand today’s teaching methods & curriculum subjects, tackle bullying, embrace new nutritional ideas and also show them where to find the best advice on behaviour, special needs or even adoption.
And for parents who need more, and great value at £15 for a whole year, there’s additional help with the homework. Hundreds of curriculum linked sheets to download – from abc’s for foundation stage to maths games for year 4.
More information, contact our founder
sue@pleasemiss.co.uk
or call 07803922182.
<-- google -->
Submitted by:
Sue