Children are afraid not of school, but of things they dont know, says Dr. Brad Norford, a child psychologist at Bryn Mawrological Psychological Associates (USA). Helping children get used to the new environment early is an effective way to reduce stress". He encouraged parents to take their children to visit classrooms before the opening ceremony, meet teachers, and even take them to practice for a few sessions if allowed.
In addition, establishing a stable daily routine also plays an important role. According to Jessie Wolf - clinical social expert at Mayo Clinic Health System (USA), children need to be trained in a new schedule at least one to two weeks before the school day. This includes going to bed, waking up, eating breakfast, and preparing school supplies. Repeating regularly will help children adapt more easily when officially starting school.
Experts from the California Institute of Pediatric Psychology also encourage parents to let their children choose their own backpacks, pencil boxes or school clothes. These small actions help children feel proactive, reducing the feeling of being forced.
The equally important thing is to listen and accompany your child. When children lament "You don't want to go to school", don't rush to scold or reassure superficial. Ask "What do you worry about most?", thereby helping you call out the names of your emotions and gradually overcome them.
Finally, parents need to stay calm and positive. Children will feel the same energy from adults and react similarly. It is normal for children to cry and squeal in the first days, the important thing is the patience and companionship of parents in every step of their children's growth.
