It is important to see first years at school as a natural, desirable and healthy progression in the developmental stages of the children and not a crisis event. This perception among parents directly permeates children as well. Being proactive as a parent is great and you can even encourage other parents in the process. There are also many fundraising events and other interesting things for kids, such as school fun run and toys, so keep on top of any local events! 

My child has issues with going to school

If the child exhibits unusual behaviors over time, such as renewed difficulty controlling the sphincters, violence and aggression or constant physical complaints, such as abdominal pain – it is advisable to consult a professional for advice. The early years can even affect the  parents too. The feeling of worry and nervousness is normal. This feeling accompanies many parents, and in some cases is a result of the fact that we live in a society that sanctifies the competition even in places where there is no justification for it. Here are some tips to ease the transition: 

1. Relax and calm down

It is important to see promotion to first grade as a natural, desirable and healthy progression in the developmental stages of the children and not a crisis event. This perception among parents directly permeates children as well. It is worth instilling in the child the feeling that we believe in their abilities to function successfully in school.  

2. Visit the school with them

It is recommended to visit the school at least once before the start of school, when it is still not full of many students, and the stimuli in it are less overwhelming. It’s time to show off key places like the classroom and the restrooms. It can allow them to feel as if it is not a strange domain but rather a place they are going to for benefit. 

3. Keep the kids organised too 

Functioning in first grade differs from functioning in kindergarten in that it requires the child greater independence and the ability to organize for multi-stage tasks. In preparation for this it is recommended to encourage the child to perform various tasks at home independently, such as setting a table, arranging the room, organizing their play toys after using them (cards, dice, game board etc.). You can help them by dividing each task into several stages and doing control after each stage.

4. Strengthen their abilities constantly 

In First Grade, students are required to practice graphomotor skills more frequently than in the past and for a long time. To strengthen the muscles of the upper limbs and the ability to coordinate more effectively between the two hands, as well as to improve the function writing and how they hold their pen. It is recommended to engage with them in various and varied activities. Playing with dough and putty can strengthen fine motor skills. Games can be combined such as adjusting the amount of fasteners to the result of a simple arithmetic exercise or hanging fasteners in different colors in sequence. Play word games with them and encourage them to read from a young age, even before the first years of school start.