Young pupil needs an adult

Starting school brings greater responsibility, as children are expected to manage more aspects of daily life on their own. Young pupils are learning new rules, habits and roles. They have a lot to remember, such as morning routines, schedules, what is in their school bag and the route to school.

It is important for parents to ensure that their child’s daily life runs smoothly and that they feel safe and comfortable at school.

• Parents should ensure that their child eats regular, healthy meals and has enough time for rest, physical activity and play.
• Adults should provide the child with enough support, security and time together.
• Parents play an important role also in taking care of practical matters, such as ensuring their child has weather-appropriate outdoor clothing, sports gear, indoor shoes and the necessary school supplies.

A lot happens to a child at school during the day that parents know nothing about. It is important for the child that their parents are interested in their school day, their homework and their friends.

A good time to chat and catch up can be around the dinner table. Families should try to eat together at least once a day. Children also need their parents’ unhurried presence and cuddling. In the evening, the day’s excitement and stress may be expressed as tantrums or a desire to be small again.

Praise your child for their successes at school: “What a wonderful, neat notebook.” “You already know the teacher’s name and the names of so many of your classmates – you’re a quick learner.” “Your morning went well and you got to school on time – well done!”

When the child fails, they need their parent by their side to reassure them that they will learn and that they do not have to be able to do everything straight away.

A first grader’s school day is short. There may be moments in the morning and afternoon when the young child has to cope without an adult.

Many children enjoy becoming more independent and being able to cope and dare to be home alone for a while, but they still need time to practise being on their own. A child should always know who to turn to in an emergency or when they feel lonely.

How comfortable a child is being alone varies from child to child. Parents should try to assess how much independence they can give their child and how far they can encourage greater independence.

Tip: Printable checklists help young pupils  remember important morning routines and  keep track of agreed tasks.

Schoolchildren are usually active and may spend a lot of time outside the home, enjoying hobbies or playing outdoors and spending time with friends. Play, unstructured activities and imagination also continue to play an important role in their lives.

However, their parents and family are still the most important thing to the child, and time spent together as a family is precious. Every child wants to hear that they are important to their parent.