The separation is not always simple at the start of the school year, especially if it is the very first. School teachers give us their advice to facilitate the transition.
Back to school can be stressful for children, but also for parents … Besides, it is not uncommon for the latter to be more stressed than their child! “Often, parents who say they have to reassure their child, it comes from concern”says Emilie Hanrot, school teacher and book author Kiffe the school (Hachette practical editions) and the eponymous Instagram account.
The case of the first school year is very specific since it is a big step in the life of a child. It can therefore be a source of apprehension for him, but also for parents. In order to reassure their offspring when depositing it at school, Clothilde, director of a nursery school, tells us that it is better to tell him “See you later” rather than‘”Bye“, because this gives the child an indication of the moment when we come to pick him up and reminds him that the separation is only temporary.
If the choice of words is important, Emilie Hanrot, also author ofEnter, don’t be afraid … (Grund editions), explains to us that attitude is a great deal. “The more short it is, the better. The” goodbye “that drag on are painful for everyone. The more the child sees that we remain and that we are sensitive to his tears, the more he will cry hard by saying that it works so that his parent remains. It is not a question of running without saying goodbye, but of having the courage to say very simply to his child:” We put the bag, I give you the mistress, Adults must also avoid projecting on the child stress or fears about things that he would not have imagined or to give him the impression that they are afraid or that they are sad about this school year. A child is indeed “a emotional sponge “so that he could in turn worry.
If the child is worried, we can listen to him before and after the start of the school year so that he can let out what he feels. As Emilie Hanrot points out, even if it is with the best intentions, you have to be vigilant not to respond to her in a purely factual way, by using reason, because words like “Anyway, that’s how it is”, “it’s compulsory to go to school“, will not help him and he may not feel”Listened to and respected in what he feels. “A child who brings a concern, it is not a child who wants to find him solutions, it is a child who wants us to accredit his emotions”underlines the teacher. Also be careful not to make him promises on things that we cannot control (“It’s going to be fine “,” you’re going to get lots of friends “etc.), at the risk of creating disappointment and misunderstanding.
