With time, patience and lots of support, your child can approach the start of the school year with confidence and serenity.
- The first entry into kindergarten can be a source of anxiety for children.
- It is important for the child to feel listened to and understood.
- Informing the child about their future environment and starting to adjust their schedule is good preparation for going back to school.
The first day of kindergarten marks an important step for your child. This moment, a source of both excitement and anxiety, can be difficult for him to understand. Whether it is separation, confrontation with the unknown or adaptation to a new environment, his fears are normal and can be overcome in a positive and constructive way.
Understanding and validating your child’s emotions
The first step in alleviating your child’s fears is to acknowledge and validate their emotions. It’s important that they feel heard and understood. To do this, encourage them to express how they’re feeling. Simple phrases like, “How do you feel about going to school?” or “What are you afraid of?” can open the dialogue.
It’s also crucial to normalize her feelings. Explain that fear of the unknown is a natural reaction and that many children feel the same way before they start school: “It’s normal to be a little anxious. Many children feel the same way before they start school, but you’ll see, it will get easier every day.”
Prepare your child in advance to reduce the unknown
Preparation is a key part of reducing back-to-school anxiety. Familiarizing your child with their future environment can help them feel safe. If possible, visit the school with them before the start of term, show them the classroom, the toilets, the playground, and introduce them to their teacher.
You can also read back-to-school books together that feature characters going through the same stages. This will help him to better project himself and see the start of the school year as a positive adventure.
Encourage a reassuring routine
Establishing a reassuring routine is essential to giving your child a sense of stability and security. A few days before school starts, start adjusting sleep and meal times to match school schedules.
On the morning of the new school year, make sure to dedicate some quiet time to him. For example, prepare a breakfast together that he likes, while discussing the day ahead in a positive way. Reassure him by reminding him that you will come pick him up at the end of the day and that you will talk together about what he has experienced.
– Learn more: “Léon’s School” by Serge Bloch.
