With September, the academic marathon has restarted. However, this process also brings adjustment problems for many families and children. Experts, drawing attention to the difficulties children may experience during the school adjustment process with the new academic year, indicate that the transition from holiday routine to school routine, social adjustment problems, and exam anxiety can complicate the process.
Assistant Professor Dr. Pınar Demir Asma, noting that the school adjustment process should not be seen merely as a temporary phase at the beginning of the term, states that a positive school adjustment process is closely related to both the continuity of school life and high academic success. Asma also reminds of the warning that children may have been exposed to negative experiences such as bullying and exclusion in their social environment, calling for attention to these signals.
Assistant Head of Child Development Department at Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Assistant Professor Dr. Pınar Demir Asma, offered important advice to parents regarding the adjustment problems experienced by children and families with the new academic year.
Pay Attention to These Signals!
Assistant Professor Dr. Pınar Demir Asma, reminding that the new academic year also started in September, said, “This process leaves families facing various difficulties during the school adjustment period and creates various question marks in their minds. While the problems children will experience vary according to the characteristics of the family and children, among the possible difficulties; adjustment problems may arise when transitioning from holiday routines to school routines in daily life. Adaptation problems may be experienced regarding changes in processes for physical needs such as meal times, and sleep times. There may be problems with social adaptation to the peer group. Especially if the child experiences negative experiences such as bullying or exclusion in the social environment at school, they may not want to go to school. Attention should be paid to such signals. Anxieties related to school performance and exams may emerge.”
Avoid Excessive Expectations for the Child's Rapid Adjustment
Emphasizing that parents' attitudes and behaviors are also determinant in children's school adjustment, Assistant Professor Dr. Pınar Demir Asma said, “These incorrect attitudes and behaviors can be summarized as; being overly intrusive, adopting an oppressive communication style, the child's daily routine constantly changing, being irregular and unpredictable for the child, having excessive expectations for the child's rapid adjustment, or having expectations that are not appropriate for the child's development or age.”
Show Your Love in All Circumstances!
Offering advice to parents to facilitate the adjustment process and support children, Assistant Professor Dr. Pınar Demir Asma said, “Be patient. Listen to your child's demands and respect their boundaries. Be consistent and clear in communication between parents. Be knowledgeable about your child's school life. Be sensitive to your child's relationships with friends and peers and listen to your child. Allow your child to take responsibility. Most importantly, do not forget to show your support and love for your child in all circumstances.”
The Adjustment Process is Closely Related to High Academic Achievement
Assistant Professor Dr. Pınar Demir Asma also noted that the school adjustment process should not be seen merely as a temporary phase at the beginning of the term, adding, “It should be treated as a process that can have significant lasting effects on the child's development, and approached with this sensitivity. It should not be forgotten that a positive school adjustment process is closely related to both the continuity of school life and high academic success. In addition, school continuity following the adjustment process, along with the support of peer relationships, also makes significant contributions to children's social and emotional development.”