School can be daunting.
And not just for the kids. It can be pretty scary for the parents as well.
While it might have been scary sending your baby off to their first day of creche or preschool, at least you knew the main aim there was for your child to have fun.
Now they're entering the harsh world of learning and before long their childhood will be ruined, right?
Wrong.
Primary school is a big change. Absolutely. Your kids will have to learn to study and spend time doing things that they might not fully enjoy. But it is still entirely aimed at embracing their childhood and teaching through fun and experience.
In all likelihood, the images you have of your child coming home traumatised and in tears are not going to come to pass. But what are we here for, if not to ease your mind?
1. Free up your day
If you are really worried about how the day is going to go, clear your schedule. Take the day off work, cancel plans, hold off on the shopping for a day. Make sure you are available in case you're needed.
But at the same time, do something that will take your mind off everything. There is no point in sitting at home worrying.
2. Try to take everything in your stride.
We know this might be difficult but if you get worked up, you'll get your kid worked up too. Treat it like a normal day and you'll have them going in calm as a breeze, even if you're freaking out on the inside.
Fake it 'til you make it, eh?
3. Forget about how you think the day will go.
Teachers are not interested in frightening their whole class on the first day. They will be working on getting them settled in, getting them used to the routine, and maybe scheduling in a few minutes of work throughout the day.
There will be no first-day pop quizzes or an introductory lecture to algebra. So stop worrying that your kid doesn't know enough.
As long as they can introduce themselves and are willing to follow the teacher's instructions, they'll be sailing.
4. Focus on the best bits
If your kid is getting worried, don't talk about the work or the homework - that will all be introduced over time and they'll mostly likely take it in their stride.
What's most important for the first day is to remind them of the new friends they'll make and all the fun things they'll learn.
They are the most meaningful things after all so make sure they know that.
