Starting school is an exciting yet difficult experience for a young child. Regardless of the personality of the child and however eager he or she may seem to be for the new situation, there will be moments when the child suddenly realizes that you are not going to be there. The apprehension that accompanies this realization is a normal reaction. Most children have little difficulty adjusting to school after they have made an initial visit with their parents. Nevertheless, it is important to introduce the child to the school in a way that will make this first separation from the parent as easy as possible.

We strongly recommend that you practice the following steps, which will help both you as a parent and the child:

1.     Try to spend some time in the classroom with your child for the first few days of school.
 

2.     Adults who stay more than one day should gradually move out of the classroom. They may stay right outside the classroom or do some reading at a place we have prepared for you. Do not focus too much attention on the child. When children sense that they are not being closely watched, they will usually start to relax.

3.     Please do not sneak away without saying good-bye to the child. Parents should say good-bye and then leave quickly and unhesitating without looking back. If your child cries at the moment of separation, try to comfort him/ her and let him/ her know that you understand how he feel, but do not scold him.

4.     For the first few days of the school, please send your child a little earlier than the usual time, this will enable him/her to be familiar with the school and his/her new friends. For the same reason, please pick him/ her up on time, so that he/ she will not feel unnecessary tension while watching other children go home.

5.     For the first few days of the school, please spend more time with your child, so that he/ she will feel warm and secure on these days. Try not to ask too many questions, such as what are the things that he does and food that he eats in school. Such queries create emotional burden on a child.

6.     If the separation seems to be unusually difficult for both parent and the child, you may arrange for someone that you trust to accompany him/ her. Most importantly, feel free to converse with the principal, teachers or other parents. This will give you a better understanding of our school arrangement.