4 Fundamental Strategies for Parents in the School Excitement of Little Hearts

Preschool and first-grade students have taken their first steps into their educational lives as of today. In this period where both children and parents experience excitement and anxiety together, Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen emphasizes the great importance of love and support for children to adapt to the school process, and offers guidance for parents to help children face this new experience in a peaceful and enjoyable manner.

The first days of school can be exciting yet a bit concerning for both children and parents. Every parent wants their child to be well-prepared for this new adventure and to start school life happily and securely. However, this process can sometimes seem complex and challenging. Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen, a faculty member of the Psychology Department and APAM Center at Altınbaş University, explains that understanding the child’s needs and listening to their feelings can make this period enjoyable and peaceful. Describing the child’s entry into the school period as an important process, Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen states that it is necessary to support them lovingly and ensure they feel safe and comfortable. Reminding that families and children are together on this journey, Prof. Dr. Şirvanlı Özen says, “Everything doesn’t have to be perfect. What matters is that your child feels you are there for them and knows they are not alone in taking this important step.”

Prof. Dr. Dilek Şirvanlı Özen listed her advice that facilitates the process for both students and parents under 4 main headings:

1- How can you support your child before starting school?
“Let routines soothe you: Helping your child get used to a daily routine before school starts is a great step. Waking up early together and having breakfast can help them feel safer during the preparation process.

Introducing the school can make it easier together: School can sometimes seem like a big and unknown place for children. Explaining to them what kind of place school is, what activities they will do there, and even visiting the school in advance can help both you and them navigate this process more comfortably.

Enjoy shopping: School shopping can be a fun time spent with your child. Choosing a backpack, pencil, or notebook that they will love can make starting school a bit more exciting.

2- The orientation process is also an adventure for parents
Everyone has their own adaptation process: It’s important to know that your child may experience different emotions during the orientation period. Being there for them, sharing their anxieties and excitements will help calm them. Be gentle with yourself during this process; everything doesn’t have to be perfect.

Stay in touch with the school: Meeting the school’s teachers and other staff can help both you and your child feel more secure. Knowing the school’s expectations and how they can provide support makes this process easier.

They will relax as social bonds are formed: Making new friendships may take some time for your child. Encourage them and try to create environments where they can socialize outside of school. Making new friends is a significant step for them to love school.

3- Understanding your children’s anxiety and stress and helping them
Don’t miss the small signs: Sometimes children cannot directly express their anxieties. Symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or sleep issues may indicate stress in their inner world. Listening to them carefully and showing understanding can alleviate their anxiety.

Overcoming difficult times together: Talking to your child about their feelings can allow them to share their inner world. Instead of asking, ‘Why do you feel this way?’ you can say, ‘It seems like this is making you a little anxious; if you want, we can talk about it.’ This can encourage them to be more open.

A little play, a little relaxation: One way to help your child cope with stress is to ensure they spend time on activities they love. Playing games together, drawing, or listening to music can help them relax.

4- Challenges you may encounter after starting school and ways to provide support
Every child’s pace is different: It is normal for your child to face academic or social challenges at school. What matters is that they feel you are there for them and supporting them at every step. If necessary, you can talk to teachers to learn how to better support your child.

Friendships can take time: Building a social circle happens at different speeds for each child. Allow them to make friends at their own pace without pressure and support them. You can also direct them to extracurricular activities to develop their social skills.

Be prepared for emotional ups and downs: Starting school can be emotionally challenging for children. Some days may go great while others may be tough. These ups and downs are normal. By providing them emotional support, you can help them navigate this process more easily.