TimeOut Dubai Kids – August 2019

Time Out UAE Kids August 2019 55

STARTING NURSERY OR school is a big step in

a parent and their child’s life as it represents

one step of a long journey on the road to

independence. Here are tried and tested

tips to help your child transition to their

Àrst nursery or school, including lots of

helpful advice that you can return to as

each term restarts.

KNOW YOURSELF

Not all nurseries and schools Àt all children,

so try to visit alone and also with your child

once you’ve narrowed it down to the top

two. Attend any free play dates or settling-in

sessions that are offered so that you and

your child become familiar with the school

and its teachers. Be aware of your own facial

expressions and body language as children

mimic your behaviour.

EMOTIONAL PREPARATION

Help your child prepare for the big day by

reading stories about going to school. Play

therapy helps to reduce stress. Role play what

the day will be like with toys, sticks or kitchen

wear (acting as staff and children) and let your

child talk and act through the thoughts they

may be having. Talk positively about nursery/

school and what they will be doing. Explain

that playing, meeting new friends and learning

is your child’s own important work in the same

to

school

“Be aware

of your

own body

language”

way mummy or daddy does their important

work at their job or at home.

In the lead-up to the Àrst day, tell your

child how proud you are of them when they

show resilience and try out new things.

Tell them stories about when you had to

be brave and overcame feeling frightened

or overwhelmed.

Teach your child self-help techniques such

as breathing deeply or reciting a special rhyme

or song that they can sing to self soothe.

Discuss with your child what they think they

will use for emotional strength during the day.

Different parents use different techniques –

some kiss their child’s palm so that they can

hold onto that kiss all day, other parents tie

a love ribbon on their child’s bag or include a

family photo in their lunchbox.

PHYSICAL PREPARATION

Children are likely to experience challenging

emotions owing to their lack of control when

starting nursery or ‘big school’. Give some

control back by letting them choose their own

outÀt/spare clothes/shoes, backpack, snack

bag and bottle. Younger children can choose a

special comfort item to take with them.

One week before the big day, introduce an

earlier term-time schedule. A tired child will

struggle to deal with their emotions.

Count down on a visual calendar and mark

off days for the Ànal two weeks.

Yvonne Kerr speaks to Amelia Brown, principal of Falcon British

Nursery in Abu Dhabi, for tips on getting the whole

family ready for a brand-new year

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