A new school year has begun, and for many children it will be the first. This period of adaptation is not usually easy, neither for the little ones nor for their parents, since it is loaded of many changes that often generate anxiety and anguish. Children will have to get used to a new routine, with people they do not know, and parents will have to trust that their children will be well cared for.

Five tips to help your child adapt to school

1. Take their perspective

Some parents lose patience when children are reluctant to stay in school, but it’s important to take their perspective. You must think that your son has not asked to go to school, if it were up to him, she would stay at home playing with you. In their mind, staying in school can be a punishment as it involves separation from their parents and no time to play. Taking this perspective, we can understand that it can be painful for a child to stay in school. cole and can have a bad time. Therefore, it is important to be understanding.

2. Tell him about what he will find

Uncertainty is the worst enemy of children who go to school for the first time. Therefore, it is convenient for parents to explain what they will find at school, thus reducing their anxiety. In fact, it is recommended that they take them to visit the center before classes start and, as far as possible, that they meet the educator. An excellent idea is to represent the school dynamics using to symbolic play, from puppets or dolls. When the child knows what is expected of him and how he should behave, he experiences less fear because he feels more secure.

3. Always be with him

One of the greatest fears of young children who start school for the first time is being abandoned by their parents. Therefore, always accompanying him, especially the first few days, is a good strategy so that the child does not feel unprotected and abandoned in a new place, surrounded by people he does not know. This way it will be easier for you to gain trust with his new circle of friends. It is true that, in one way or another, he will end up adapting, but if he perceives that he has your support he will feel more confident and secure. Basically, your presence will help him adapt and assume this new life in a less traumatic way, while he will gain autonomy and independence.

4. Say goodbye, don’t suddenly disappear

At the time of saying goodbye, it is normal for the child to feel anxious, cry or even throw a tantrum. In such a circumstance, it is difficult for parents to easily get rid of children, so some choose to “disappear” or “escape”. However, this is a serious mistake. This behavior is counterproductive because it generates greater insecurity, anxiety and anguish in the child. The best solution is to say goodbye to your child before leaving, explaining that he will stay at school until you return to pick him up. > The key is not to spend too much time saying goodbye but to do it quickly.

5. Give him the time he needs

Each child is different, so their periods of adaptation to school are also different. It is not convenient that the school is too strict and does not offer a flexible schedule at the beginning. During the first few days, the child should get to know the environment and feel comfortable with their educators and classmates. This may take several days, or even a month, until they feel that they are in a safe place, even if their parents are not by their side. The idea is that the child does not feel abandoned and alone at any time, but that it be a gradual process.