10 Ways To Deal With Primary One Separation Anxiety
Starting primary school is a big step for your little one, and it might cause them to act out more than usual. Here's how you can help
Now that the first day of school is out of the way, you can gradually start to let go of your Primary One child - or can you? Separation anxiety could be an issue for your child, who is not used to being away from her parents for long hours, and unsure of her new environment.
"The child may also be thinking: "How come everyone is okay with the new school and I am not?" said counselling psychologist Lee Kham Chuan, who goes by "Dr K. C. Lee".
As each child may respond differently to anxiety, watch out for, unusual behaviour or uncharacteristic responses, and physical symptoms like headaches or diarrhoea, said Dr Lee.
If your little one is still fussing and fretting over starting formal schooling, and showing signs of separation anxiety, don't fret.
Here are 10 ways to help her adapt to her new routine and environment, according to Dr Lee and The Straits Times senior education correspondent, Sandra Davie.
READ MORE: Easy Ways To Motivate Your Child And Beat Their Back To School Blues
Share your memories of starting school with your child, such as who your favourite teachers were and who your best friend in Primary 1 was.
Maybe it will be the new friends she will make or perhaps she hopes to catch up with some friends from kindergarten who will be attending the same school.
It would be helpful to attend the school orientation programme if you have not already done so, or accompany her on her first day of school. Walk around the school and familiarise your child with the important areas, such as the car or school bus drop-off point, the assembly hall, toilets, canteen and general office.
Help her understand rules such as putting up her hand to ask to go to the toilet, and doing what the teacher asks.
Be around for a bit to ensure she feels secure, but once she has settled in, show her where you will meet her at the end of the school day and bid her goodbye. Make sure you arrive on time to pick up her at the end of the school day.
Ask about her teacher, the friends she made and the canteen food.
Teach her how to read the lesson timetable. Show her how to pack her schoolbag, based on the subjects shown in the timetable. Pack a change of clothes in a plastic bag and let her know they're there in case of accidents. It would also be useful to plan an after-school routine for your child, such as setting aside time for lunch, homework and play. At home, set aside a specific area for her to keep her schoolbooks and materials.
Decide how much you are going to give her daily and show her how to keep it safe and how to use it for recess, stationery and books.
Find out the teacher's preferred times and means of communication. If you have any concerns, raise them early to prevent them from developing into bigger problems.
The school and teachers usually relay information to parents through the children, through written and verbal instructions in class.Check these forms regularly and let your child know the importance of relaying the information, by passing on the forms or writing the instructions in her student diary.
Being involved keeps you updated on events in the school and provides you and your child with opportunities to have shared experiences and conversations.
It is normal to feel anxious, but remember that your child can easily pick up on your emotions. Give her lots of love and support. Be excited and enthusiastic about her starting school. This sends her the positive message that school is exciting and that she will cope and have fun.
Text: Joyce Teo/Straits Times