With the reopening of schools after a long break, both families and children are filled with excitement. Expert Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan stated that during this sensitive adaptation process, certain mistakes made by parents may make it more difficult for children to adjust to school.
Özgür Akoğlan said, “Showing excessive attention to the child may make school adaptation harder. Do not prolong the farewell moment, and never reward your child for going to school, which is a behavior that must be done.”
As the Director of Educational Institutions and Guidance Services at Üsküdar University, Expert Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan addressed the issue of school adaptation.
Do not prolong the farewell moment!
Emphasizing that schools have reopened after a long summer break, Özgür Akoğlan said: "Showing excessive attention to the child may make school adaptation harder. It is not easy for parents to leave their children at school and walk away. Do not let your child sense this. Do not prolong the farewell moment. Never reward your child for going to school, which is a behavior that must be done.”
Pointing out that children may display unusual behaviors and attitudes during the first days of school, Akoğlan said: “In the first weeks, children and their families may experience excitement, pride, and anxiety. This results from not knowing what they will encounter.”
Never reward your child for going to school!
Stressing that the start of school is also a special day for parents but should not be exaggerated, Özgür Akoğlan continued: “The start of school, which is a very meaningful and special day for parents, should be experienced without exaggeration. Children just starting school should not be accompanied by large crowds. Also, showing excessive attention to the child may make school adaptation harder. Never reward your child for going to school, which is a behavior that must be done.”
Children may experience anxiety, sleep imbalance, and spoiled behavior
Indicating that new students may show behaviors such as eating-sleeping imbalance, anxiety, aggressive attitudes, or spoiled behavior, Akoğlan said: “Do not change their eating habits by producing alternatives; maintain attention to sleep schedules. Send them to school from the first day and do not turn going to school into a matter of negotiation. Be firm about completing assignments and responsibilities from day one. Especially in the first week, arrange your schedule according to your child.”
Do not visit the school unnecessarily or at the wrong time!
Drawing attention to the importance of not visiting the school unnecessarily or at the wrong time, Özgür Akoğlan said: “Excessive visits can also disturb teachers. Do not keep children at home because of complaints such as fear of school, stomach aches, nausea, vomiting, or bedwetting when school is mentioned. Absenteeism can lead to problems in academic, social, and emotional development.”
Reading hours and playtime can be planned at home
Noting the recent increase in computer and gaming addiction, Özgür Akoğlan said: “Children should be encouraged to participate in activities that enhance friendships. Reading hours and playtime can be planned at home. Children should also be supported in line with their talents, such as sports and music.”
If there is a problem, listen and solve it together
Emphasizing that parents should be good observers and establish healthy communication with their children, Özgür Akoğlan said: “Pay attention to your child’s appearance, thoughts, manners, and behaviors, and listen to them. If there is a problem, listen to it and solve it together. If you do not notice it early and resolve it, it can cause very big problems in the future. Most importantly, never make your criticisms about the teacher or school in front of the child. Over time, the child may start blaming the school or the teacher through projection for behaviors or learning difficulties they cannot improve and may even begin to request a change of school or teacher.”