8 easy ways to motivate your child for the first day in school.
Image by Михаил Мингазов from Pixabay
Children at a tender age do not realise the importance of education and why they are being sent to school. Before school starts, children are used to playing for most of the time and they were at most taught the basics of 1,2,3 or A, B, Cs by their parents at home. Life at home and in the playground is so much more different than that of a classroom. This change in environment is essentially the reason why children often resist their parents and throw tantrums when they are first being sent to school.
They are often clueless as to how to handle the change in environment and hence they will try everything in their power to make an issue out of it and get their parents to somehow stop them from going to school. Another big problem that arises is the feeling of separation. Children would have spent so much time with their parents before school and out of the blue when they are being told to spend time with kids who they don’t know and adults who look intimidating, they are bound to feel frightened and have adverse feelings towards school.
Sometimes children may seem to have learning issues, short attention span, hyperactive characteristics and all these things may culminate to be a problem for them to progress in academics. Children may have an inferiority complex that even parents may be unaware of, and hence, sometimes the problem may be bigger than it seems and it is important to resolve it before things start to snowball and get out of hand.
So, here are some ways in which you can motivate your child to go to school!
Get involved in your child’s journey
Children may feel alone out of a sudden and hence it is important to reassure your child that there is nothing to be afraid of. It is your job to explain to your child that you will be there to guide at every step of the way (do not molly-coddle; it will end up spoiling your child) and this will give them some confidence that they are not alone in everything they do. After this reassurance, as a parent, your presence in the academic life of your child is essential for the commitment in their work.
You can simply ask your children about what they had learnt in school, and generally engage them academically by asking about their school friends and teachers as well. By demonstrating an interest in your children’s school life, you’re showing that school can be exciting and interesting. This is especially effective with very young children who tend to be excited about almost everything.
Reward them
Children being children will always look forward to obtaining something that excites them. It is what keeps them going and motivates them to do what they are being told because most of the times, even if we try to explain the purpose of some actions, they will most likely be unable to comprehend it. Many parents get nervous and unsure about rewarding kids for good work, and it’s true that things can go downhill if it gets out of control. However, extrinsic motivation keeps your child going and its essential to explain that it is not the right thing to do to expect rewards for everything. Parents need to strike the balance and learn to say ‘no’ when needed.
The purpose
Children may not be able to understand why they are studying and what the larger purpose it serves. Never associate studies with salary because that will cause children to become money-minded and have materialistic pursuits over time. Encourage hard work and teach them that patience and persistence will bring them a long way. Young children may not fully understand these advice and teachings but on the first day of school, letting them know the reason why they go to school will give them a purpose.
It is okay to make mistakes
Children often want to be the best and the most perfect in everything they do. Hence, there is always a high chance of children getting disappointed if they are told not to do something or when they are told that what they have done is wrong. It is essential for parents to teach their children to learn to accept when they are being told to correct themselves. That’s the way they will progress.
Extra help
If your child is one who needs some special care or extra guidance, never feel shy to arrange the necessary tuition or counselling sessions to provide the best for your child. Instead of letting small problems amalgamate into something big, nipping them in the bud is the best solution.
Speak with the teachers
By tracking the academic progress of your child, you will be able to understand what kind of learner your child is. Moreover, by speaking with your child’s teachers, you can further understand your child’s social interaction skills and how they function in new environments and among other children. The wholesome idea of your child’s learning capabilities and character will help you provide them with customised help and guide them well.
Parent’s support group
By joining a parent’s support group, you will be able to discuss and learn from other parents; essentially, you will realise that everyone’s on the same boat. You will get new ideas from other parents to help guide your child and motivate him or her in different ways.
Show your love and affection
Children always crave for love and affection and they should never be deprived of it. On the first day of school, they are bound to feel lonely and they might feel that not enough attention is being given to them. As parents, it is essential to always show your love, care and concern, and also explain to them that the security and joy can also be seen in school over time, gradually.
Children make the future and guiding them the right way will help mould them into great leaders!
Author BIO
Steffen Carter is a professional Tutor associated with ChampionTutor – One of the best Home tuition agency in Singapore. He enjoys working with students very much. He has a positive attitude and a passion to assist and motivate struggling learners.