This topic for December focuses on the importance of transitions (that is change) in children’s lives. In every transition, a child has to adapt to the changes and parents need to be aware and help their children deal with the changes in a positive way.
This topic discusses possible challenges children may face during transitions (especially when entering Primary school), and presents suggestions and strategies for supporting and preparing children to cope with the changes.
Transition begins from the onset of a child’s life. Beyond the birth process, the first transition is from the hospital, where birth takes place, to the home. For some children, the next transition may be into some form of care beyond the home – infant/child care or to a relative’s home. By age three or four, children then experience the transition to early education, followed by transition to Primary school at age seven, and the list continues to Secondary school and so on to ensuing life transitions.
Transitions are essential to children’s life experiences and ongoing development. How children cope with early transitions can affect
Therefore, preparing the children for such an integral part of their lives is indeed necessary and important. The support of parents during any major change will also help to ensure their well-being.
Starting child care or school can be an exciting time of change for children and families. However, for some children and families, it can be a time of some anxiety. There are many things that a parent can do to prepare children in a positive way for any major change ahead. It is after all every parent’s hope that by starting well in any change context, their children can achieve good outcomes later on.
When children go into any formal care setting, be it child care, preschool or Primary school, they have to learn to be part of a group of children. This is very different from being at home with a small number of children and it can be overwhelming, with many new people, new children to get to know.
In the context of My First Skool (MFS), infants with their families are encouraged to make many visits before the infant is left without the parent. It is most important that families take advantage of this and help the infant to become familiar with the context before leaving the infant there without the parent.
The primary caregiving system for infants in MFS helps the infant to become attached to main person who looks after them. However, other teachers care for the infant too. Over time, the infant becomes secure and develops trust, this is a lifelong trait that helps children become resilient and cope with life’s challenges.
Due to funding policies, children in infant care move to another group when they reach 18 months. They make the transition to Playgroup, another group of children cared by different teachers. This is done gradually so that new relationships can be formed.
From the year when a child in child care turns three or when a child starts preschool, such transitions will occur annually, progressing through the various levels of early education (Nursery 1, Nursery 2, Kindergarten 1 and Kindergarten 2).
Find out more about our childcare and kindergarten programmes.
When children start primary school, they have a lot to get used to a different setting. In comparison to a child care centre or preschool, the primary school may seem big and formal to children. They will have to cope with new rules and routines. Some children will manage this easily while others may need more help from parents and teachers.
Helping children to feel confident about school will give them a positive start.
If children have friends or neighbours who are starting school together then this can help. The social aspect of starting school is very important and if the child experiences happy times when beginning school, then this will help.
The following extracts from parents give some insights:
She is very happy and excited about starting school. We had many discussions to identify and minimise any fears she had.
Yes, she loves to play with her new friends in school, only has boys to play with at home. I talked to her informally about starting school as it’s an important stage in her life.
He was anxious but made a friend at school so that helped.
Building confidence, well-being and resilience
There are important things parents can do to help children feel confident and optimistic about starting school. Talk with them about what school will be like. Borrow books from the library with positive stories about starting school.
Parents can also help children to build confidence and optimism by encouraging a habit of positive thinking. Asking children to tell you about the good things that happen each day helps develop this.
The well-being of the child is of prime importance.
Orientation to the school
Knowing where the school is situated is important.
There is a lot for children to get used to when they start school. Some children will adapt more easily than others.
Getting ready
To prepare children for school, parents can consider the following:
Always reassure the child that you will come back to collect them, you will be there and waiting, hoping they have had a happy time.
As your child settles in to school:
Children can show stress by:
You could help by:
Having some control can help children manage their fears.
If the worries continue, talk to the teacher about the best way to help them. Make an appointment to see the teacher if you are concerned about your child.
Many parents also feel a sense of loss when their child starts school. They feel that their child’s world will change and they will no longer have their ‘baby’.
Try to relax! If you are stressed, your child may sense this and worry too.
Children do best at school when their parents and teachers work together to support them.
There is a proverb that states, “The beginning decides the end.” Although transitions occur many times throughout a child’s life, positive guidance by parents can help to make the child’s future a happy and worthwhile one!
Schoolbag.sg is an online publication by the Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE) which features a number of articles about supporting children during transitions. In addition, there are also workshops and seminars on related topics organised by MOE and the Early Childhood Development Agency for parents.
Copyright © Marjory Ebbeck & Wendy Toh 2016
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