With schools reopening after a long break, families and children were swept into a sweet flurry of activity. Expert Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan stated that some mistakes parents make during this sensitive adjustment period can make it difficult for children to adapt to school.
Özgür Akoğlan said, "Showing excessive attention to a child can make their school adjustment difficult. Do not prolong the farewell moment and never reward your child for going to school, which is a required behavior."
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Education Institutions and Guidance Services Manager, Expert Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan, addressed the issue of school adjustment.
Do not prolong the farewell moment!
Özgür Akoğlan, noting that schools have reopened after a long summer holiday, said, “Showing excessive attention to a child can make their school adjustment difficult. It is not easy for a parent to drop their child off at school and leave. Do not let your child feel this. Do not prolong the farewell moment. Never reward your child for going to school, which is a required behavior.”
Özgür Akoğlan stated that children might display uncharacteristic attitudes and behaviors in the first days of school, adding, “In the first weeks, children and their families may experience excitement, pride, and anxiety. This stems from not knowing what they will encounter.”
Never reward your child for going to school!
Özgür Akoğlan emphasized that starting school is also a special day for parents, but this situation should not be exaggerated, and continued as follows:
“Starting school, which is a very meaningful and special day for parents, should be experienced without exaggeration. A child starting school should not be accompanied by excessive crowds. Additionally, showing excessive attention to a child can make their school adjustment difficult. Never reward your child for going to school, which is a required behavior.”
The child may experience anxiety, sleep imbalance, or be spoiled
Akoğlan pointed out that students starting school may exhibit behaviors such as eating-sleep imbalance, anxiety, aggressive attitudes, and spoiling, and said, “Do not change their eating and drinking habits by creating alternatives; continue to ensure they adhere to their sleep schedules. Send them to school from the very first day and do not make going to school a negotiation. Be firm about them completing the homework and responsibilities given from the first day, especially tailor your first-week schedule to the child.”
Do not visit the school unnecessarily and at inconvenient times!
Özgür Akoğlan, drawing attention to the need to avoid unnecessary and untimely visits to school, said, “Excessive visits can also make teachers uncomfortable. Do not refrain from sending a child who fears school or experiences distress, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, or incontinence when school is mentioned, to school because of these complaints. School absences can cause problems in academic, social, and emotional development.”
Reading hours, play hours can be planned at home
Özgür Akoğlan, stating that computer and gaming addictions have increased significantly recently, also said, “Children should be encouraged to participate in activities that enhance their peer relationships. Reading hours and play hours can be planned at home. Children should be supported in line with their talents such as sports and music.”
If there's a problem, listen to the issues and solve them together
Özgür Akoğlan concluded his remarks by stating that parents should be good observers and establish healthy communication with their children: “Pay attention to the child's appearance, thoughts, behaviors, and listen to them. If there is a problem, listen to these issues and solve them together. If you cannot detect and solve them early, it can lead to very big problems in the future. Most importantly, never make criticisms about the teacher or school in front of the student. In behaviors or learnings that they cannot develop, the child will eventually project, blaming the school or teacher, and even start demanding a change of school or teacher."