If a child has attended a preschool and has completed Grade R, they may need some encouragement before attending a much larger school.
Not feeling confident about your child’s first day at school is perfectly understandable.
Casseldale resident, Magda Pretorius, says starting school is just as important for the child as for the parent.
She remembers when her second youngest daughter, Megan (9), went to Grade One how sad she and Megan were.
“When saying goodbye on the first school day it may be hard not to shed a tear, but it is best not to let the child see you cry,” she says.
It may make them anxious when they notice the tears.
Magda took the day off and went for coffee with her friends whose children were starting school on the same day.
“This gave us all a chance to share our experience on saying goodbye.”
A child will explore their independence at school.
Magda says if parents want to find out more about the child’s school world, they should get involved.
“Many schools encourage parents to help with reading, sport or a school trip,” she adds.
Magda has shed a tear three times when her first three children went to Grade One, but is not sure what she will do when Wiandre, now two years old, goes to school.
