Big emotions, small uniforms: Preparing for the leap into primary school with Parenting Limerick

STARTING primary school is a big change for children. It is a stage in life that brings many big emotions for both children and parents. These may include excitement, worry, fear, happiness and loneliness. Most will feel a mixture of the above.

Many children start primary school with enthusiasm and confidence. Others find the big change stressful and a little bit more daunting. They may need more support and scaffolding. Parents can help their stress with good preparation, clear communication and consistent routines. Good planning helps create a smooth transition.

It also creates a positive experience associated with school for the child. A successful transition into primary school helps reduce school anxiety and builds confidence. Strategies which ease the transition are described below. They include open and clear communication; familiar routines; play; getting to know the school; and acknowledging the differences in the modern school system.

Open communication between the parent, the pre-school, and the primary school is an important part of planning and preparation. Many pre-schools have a transition policy, and asking about this can be helpful. Seek advice from pre-school teachers - the pre-school may already have links with the primary school and can help with preparation.

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Collaborate with preschool in sharing information to help the primary school in getting to know your child. This is particularly true if they have additional needs. It can ease anxiety around the transition. Ask the new junior infants teacher about the skills or tasks your child will need for a successful day. This can help prepare and will increase both the child and the parent’s confidence about the change.

These could be skills such as independent feeding, dressing, toileting, or keeping track of their belongings. It is important to note here that every child is different. Children with complex needs will need more support and time to develop some of these skills over time. Speak positively about school and the experience that they are going to have to your child.

Helping your child get used to the new routine before term begins can build their sense of security. Try following the new routines a few weeks before starting school. This includes setting a regular bedtime and waking up routine, practicing morning routines, and familiarising your child with the walk or drive to the new school.

The summer months are a good time to begin to reduce your child’s screen time to less than 1 hour per day. From a practical point of view, make sure your child is familiar with their new uniform. Have them try on their new school uniform a number of times before the big day. Involve them in picking out their own belongings. Let them pick their school bag, lunchbox, pencil case, and other stationary required. Make sure they are comfortable opening and closing and managing all these.

Create time and space to play with your child. This is both a useful and insightful way to help them prepare for school. Spend quality time playing with your child to help them feel a good enough connection every day. Fostering a good connection with their parent allows children to transition more easily.

Their emotional needs have been fulfilled and their fears around separation reduce. It is recommended to have 10 minutes a day of connected and mindful child-lead play. This involves allowing the child to choose the topic and decide how the play unfolds.

Get to know the school. This will not only ease the transition but also make any potential future issues easier to deal with. Understand that different schools will have different approaches around transitions. Attend the school information sessions where possible.

Avail of opportunities to bring your child into the school. Write down questions you have and contact the primary school with your queries. Connect with families already attending the school or from your child’s preschool who may be going to the same school. Become familiar with the school routine, for example, knowing where the child’s class is located and the break/lunch times.

Finally, it is important to understand the differences between schools now versus then. Schools aim to be a positive environment for children. They support transitions through interactive / creative learning, play time and regular movement breaks.

HSE Primary Care Psychology, Limerick are running 'Transition to Primary School: Helping your Child to Prepare' online workshops for parents, caregivers, and guardians with children who are starting primary school in September. To attend, please contact our psychology assistant on 087 3451489 who will record some of your basic information for registration.

This article was contributed by Claire Bennett, Psychology Assistant with HSE Primary Care Child and Family Psychology Service. The service is a member of Parenting Limerick, a network of parenting and family support organisations. For more information on this and other topics go to www.loveparenting.ie.