What Can I do to Ensure my

What Can I do to Ensure my Child has a Good Day at School?

ALL PARENTS WANT THEIR CHILD TO BE HAPPY IN THE SCHOOL THEY CHOOSE FOR THEM. WHAT SOME PARENTS MAY NOT REALISE IS THAT EVERY FAMILY CAN PLAY A ROLE IN HOW THEIR CHILD SETTLES AT SCHOOL AND CONTINUES TO FLOURISH.

It is wonderful as a parent time, story time (maximum suddenly after break they to feel empowered. Here two stories) and a cuddle are more tuned in and ready are some guidelines: and kiss and then lights out for work. This is simply be

Ensure that your child has or dimmed and sleep time. cause they have been huna good night’s sleep. ChilBe strict about regular gry and grumpy all morning. dren up to Grade 6 should routine. Try to keep surprisSome families do have to be in bed by 8pm and sleepes or “out of the ordinary” leave home very early. A ing by 8:30pm. This can for birthdays and celebrasnack-type breakfast can be a big struggle for some tions only and keep their still give your child what families for many differroutines predictable and they require. A health bar, ent reasons. For working consistent. Routine makes bowl of berries or even a parents, it can be taxing to children feel safe! boiled egg can still kick tick all the boxes in a small Insist that your child eats start your child’s nutrition amount of time. A good a good breakfast. A car for the day. nighttime routine can take requires petrol and a body Be punctual. Coming late about 14 days to become a requires nutrition. When to school can be incredhabit, so do not give up! It chatting to teachers they ibly stressful for your child. could look like this: Dinwill often tell you how some When a family is late it ner, wind down time with a children can really struggle already means that the de-stressing play time, bath to settle in to their day and morning has been a frazzled one where everyone rushes around and everyone is feeling stressed. For a young Grade 1 to arrive to the class once everyone has already been settled, and have to make a “grand entrance” can be very daunting. Especially to a child that is very shy. Pack a balanced lunch, even if it’s not the school’s requirements. Berries are great - low in sugar and great for brainpower. Add some protein and a healthy

carbohydrate, as well as lots of water. Don’t feel the need to give your child juice or soft drinks - make that a Friday treat. On a Friday, your child can look forward to some unhealthy snacks/ treats and a juice. A healthy lunch equals a healthy day!

Help your child to keep a checklist for the week. Empower them from Grade 1. DO NOT pack their bag for them. Be with them but allow them to do it. So, at the beginning of the year set up their schedule of activities for every day, write it out and have it up in their cupboard. Then sit on the bed and say “right tomorrow is Wednesday. What do you need to pack on Wednesday?” This way, by the time your child gets to Grade 3, he/she can manage their own schedule and feel secure in approaching their day at school. Practice makes perfect!

Be aware that your feelings and what you say about school, their teacher or principal impacts how your child feels too. There will be times when you are

not in agreement with your child’s teacher. Never speak in a disrespectful manner about them. It is incredibly important that you do not disempower your child’s teacher as he/she spends a lot of time daily with your child and is in a partnership with you to bring out the best in your child. If you ever disagree with how they have approached something, let them know in private.

As parents, we cannot control everything. However, with the above guidelines parents can control and the impact will be a very positive one and give your child a very positive start to their school day. By Lariaan Claassens, Head of Operations at Hamptons Primary School. Visit www.hamptonsprimaryschool.co.za.