BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE-The first day of Grade one can be traumatic: shaking bodies, sweaty palms, and plenty of tears.
South African educational psychologist with Family Life Centre in Johannesburg, Claudia Abelheim, has offered local parents advice on how parents can make the transition to ‘big school’ easier for their little ones.
She was speaking during an interview with this publication and other South African publications when sharing her expertise she mentioned that some children are able to say goodbye at the school gate and walk to class with confidence.
While for others, it can be an anxious time at a place that is far removed from their family and friends. Anything new is scary, even for adults and more so for children.
“Find out what scares your child when they think about the first day at school. This will be a very big change for them, and with change always comes a bit of anxiety,” she said.
In addition, she asked parents to help their children understand what they are anxious about, and that their nervousness is absolutely normal.
“You can say something like: Everyone will be nervous on the first day. It is okay to feel like that,”
The psychologist further said knowing what will happen when they get to school and what to expect can lessen the fear of the unknown, especially for young children.
Some primary schools arrange to have parents take their children to their classrooms and help settle them in.
“If this is the case, be sure to tell your child you will be there with them for a little while,” Claudia says. You could also plan fun things to do with your child after school or the first week to celebrate the beginning of ‘big school‘ This can help turn something scary into something exciting and fun,” she said.
