Going back to school after holidays, or even for the first time, is a very sensitive moment for children. Some children are happy to meet their friends, others are not happy to go back to serious work of school, others ask themselves if the new teacher will be friendly, among other questions. As parents, what do we do to help our children start the academic year with confidence? It is always good to have a sort of meeting with your children that is not formal, but where you take some time to talk about the school year ahead. It can be over breakfast or dinner or any setting, but we shouldn’t make the conversation too serious in order to allow children to be open and express their feelings. During that conversation, let’s listen to children, it is their time to speak. We may ask a few questions in order to engage in the conversation, but let’s give safe space to speak. If children ask questions, let’s not give lessons. It is an opportunity for them to express whatever feelings they may have, such as fear, or any other problem, and our job is to find an answer together. During the conversation, parents may share their own experiences in school, they may talk about some funny moments that they had so that it also becomes a bonding moment with children. This conversation is not a moment to lecture children about working hard for grades. Rather, a moment to encourage them and let them know that their parents are there for them. Whether it is talking about an issue in a particular class subject, an issue with their friends, teachers, food at school, children need to know that parents will be happy to talk about it. It is also a good opportunity to discuss some changes, like waking up and sleeping-time, homework, time for TV, games and other things that parents and children find important. This kind of conversation will help children to feel confident and supported and ready, together with parents, to face whatever issues are ahead. This attitude plays a big role in the progress of your children, hence making them succeed in class. The writer is a journalist and school manager at New Generation Academy
