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Lessons in keeping kids happy
BY ANGELA KELLY8/ 9/2006
THOUSANDS of children across Greater Manchester will be facing
their first days at "big school" this month ... but the experience
is as much a lesson for parents as it is for youngsters.
It not only signals the start of exchanging time mainly at home
with days predominantly away from it - which can be a wrench for
both child and parent - but also brings youngsters into contact
with large numbers of other children for long periods.
Add to this warm classrooms, at a time of year when bugs are
happily incubating, and the result early in their school career can
be indifferent health for children and anxious parents unsure what
to do.
The key to making this transition from nursery school to primary
school, though, lies in preparation and a realistic approach. And
both these will also help mum and dad to cope with this first major
stage in a child's development from dependent tot into independent
school pupil.
"Starting school, though, is also a very exciting and enjoyable
time for children, a whole new experience," explains former
headteacher Shelagh Bailey. "But, it is important for parents to
find out as much as they can about the school beforehand, and to
talk to children about any fears they may have."
Mrs Bailey retired at the end of last year after 22 years as head
of Victoria Park Primary School, in Stretford, and is still
involved in children's development as chair of the Trafford Sure
Start Strategic Partnership.
Parents may well have already been around the school and received
an information pack. "Parents will find this very useful because
there will be details like times of the school day, school rules
and key personnel on the governing body," she says.
This should also be a two-way exchange, with information like the
name and address of the child's GP and parental contact details
given to the school. "Up-to-date mobile numbers are also vital in
case of an emergency or an accident," adds Mrs Bailey.
"And even if brothers and sisters have also been to the same school
it's important to treat the child as an individual when it comes to
talking about the school. It is their time, and what everyone wants
is for them to build confidence right at the beginning of their
school career."
A full day at school also means that children may be tired when
they first start, "so set bedtimes need to be part of the routine
at home," she says. A good routine at home with set bedtimes plays
a positive part, along with a healthy diet with a "five-a-day" of
fruit and veg approach. If children are having school dinners,
menus are usually available for parents to see.
"Lunchboxes, though, are entirely prepared by parents and it's best
if they include some protein, and preferably brown bread or white
with fibres and minerals," advises Mrs Bailey. "Sometimes children
can be overfaced by the amount of sandwiches, too.
"After a while, parents will be able to gauge just what they are
actually eating because teachers will leave lunchboxes to be
brought home again."
Fruit like grapes or an apple, plus something like a yoghurt will
add to a healthy lunchbox, although drinks "sometimes spoil the
good work if they are too sugary," she adds. "And preferably not
too fizzy, or they can spill out into the lunchbox!"
As part of a government scheme, schools now give out fruit, carrots
or tomatoes to children up to the age of seven. So it's worth
offering a variety of fruits at home so youngsters can get used to
different tastes. The policy on milk at school, however, varies, so
it is worth finding out what your child's school does.
Children also need to feel that they "fit in" at school and, says
Mrs Bailey, uniform is another area where parents can, unwittingly,
make them stand out instead.
"Buying something that may be a bit cheaper but is unlike the other
children's outfits - or even a cardigan lovingly knitted by a
relative - can make children feel different and this can lead to
embarrassment."
And don't be too fazed if, when you ask the usual "what did you do
at school today?" you receive only a minimal answer.
"Children will talk about school when they are most relaxed, like
at bathtime or bedtime, and when they are ready, and it can take a
while," says Mrs Bailey.
These days, children are expected to be toilet-trained when they
start school, and generally able to dress themselves.
"In a class with perhaps 29 other children, it's difficult for a
teacher to dress individual children, and we are all trying to help
them towards being more independent," she says.
Parents can also help youngsters in a particularly important area:
listening."It's vital that they learn to listen," concludes Mrs
Bailey.
"Just time at home with the TV off and doing something together
really helps with concentration and listening skills."
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