The first days of school can be very stressful for a child and it is up to the parents to help in every way possible to make this a happy time for the child. Better still, make sure they are used to being separated from you for short periods of time before school begins. Leaving them with a friend for a couple of hours will help. Getting them used to recess and lunch breaks will also help them adjust to school life. Children need to know how to do up their shoes and go to the toilet at the appropriate times, before starting school. They need to be able to tell the teacher what they need – e.g. to go to the toilet during class if needed.

Most schools have an introductory day when new children spend a short time in class. Try to attend this with your child. Better still, make sure they are used to being separated from you for short periods of time before school begins. Leaving them with a friend for a couple of hours will help. Getting them used to recess and lunch breaks will also help them adjust to school life.

A good idea is to ‘play school’ at home for a week or two before they start. You can pack their lunch and recess snacks in a bag and make sure they understand which one they should eat first. Get them to sit at a small desk to do ‘work’ and put up their hand to ask you for something, e.g. to go to the toilet. If they have to go on a bus or train, make sure they are used to this form of travel and see that they have an older child to help them. Always be on time to pick a child up after school.