In Thailand, the school year ends in mid-March and summer festivities are i n full swing by April with the amazing celebrations of Songkran, Thailand’s biggest water and New Year festival. Families embark on summer adventures and plan exciting activities for their kids to experience the very best that Thailand has to offer during this overwhelmingly hot season. However, it’s that time of year again and kids and parents are probably feeling a lot of different emotions with the new school year commencing shortly.
As we say farewell to the old and greet the new year with open arms, there are a few things we can do to get back into the swing of things. The new school year brings with it new teachers, new friends, and new routines, some of which can be a little staggering, to say the least.
Some kids may feel nervous while others may be excited for their first day back at school but soon kids, parents, and teachers get into the rhythm of routines. The key to having a stress-free week or morning before school starts is to have both a bedtime and morning routine which leads to a smooth transition into the new school year. Consistency means you have conquered part of the uphill battle that may or may not come with the ‘summer-is-over reality’.
Another reality is coming to terms with the fact that your child may never love school. This is a truth we have all had to deal with being children and there is not a lot one can say or do to force that love onto anyone. Encouragement to care is key. Motivating your child and focusing on their passions may help them find direction and purpose during those emotional times when school is just not cool.
Orientation is important on the fir st day back as children find their way to their new classroom and meet their new classmates and teacher. As students and parents, making notes of the classroom number, teacher’s name, and perhaps even a locker number is always helpful and makes things easier to remember. Getting to know your child’s teacher i s important, as teachers, by the very definition, teach and spend a significant a mount of time with your children.
At the same time, getting involved in your child’s school can be a rewarding experience as you gain more insight into your child and his/her day-to-day environment. Finally, friendships at school are necessitate in child development and although they come with the good and bad, these friendships and experiences foster social and emotional development and are an essential part of growing up.
For some children, friendships can be hard to navigate while others find their tribes almost immediately. It is important to help your child build and develop social skills by inspiring them and helping them understand the importance of friendship and how to manage conflict should it arise, especially on their first day back at school or just starting out in a school environment.
