First Day of School Preparation: 7 Expert Insights for Parents and Students
Participants in the discussion:
- Host: Charles, Educational Psychologist & Parenting Consultant
- Guest: Jane, School Readiness Specialist
Discussion time: November 28, 2024
Conversation summary:
Engaging conversation between two education consultants, exploring essential strategies for a successful first day of school in Singapore. The experts discuss emotional preparation, the importance of family collaboration, and fostering children’s independence through small choices like selecting their own stationery and packing lunches. Practical tips, including establishing routines and managing first-day nerves with visualization and relaxation techniques, are highlighted. The discussion emphasizes creating a supportive environment where both children and parents feel empowered, turning a potentially stressful day into a positive, memorable experience.
Keywords: Back-to-school tips Singapore, First day of school preparation, Parenting strategies for school readiness, School anxiety management for kids, Family collaboration for student success
Conversation recording:
Conversation details:
Transcript:
Charles:
Alright, so we’re diving into something a little bit different this time. I’m really excited to dig into this. It’s that back to school time again, but with a twist. We’re looking at how they do it in Singapore and getting prepped for that first day back. Oh, cool. And you know, our listeners send in some fascinating articles and notes about how they do things over there. It’s January 2nd, by the way. Did you know that school starts January 2nd over there in 2025.
Jane:
January 2nd, that is different. Okay. I know, right?
Charles:
It’s so interesting.
Jane:
Well, I can tell you right off the bat, that’s just the start of their academic calendar. Oh, that.
Charles:
Makes sense. But so, you know, we all know the drill, right? Uniforms, new backpacks, all those supplies. But what I really loved about all the stuff that you sent over, which is how much of focus on the emotional side of things, like not just the logistics. You’re.
Jane:
Right. And one of the articles, you even mentioned this study, you know, that showed kids who feel emotionally prepared actually do better academically. Like it really makes a difference.
Charles:
So it’s not just about the pencils, it’s about the mindset. Exact. That’s so interesting. Isn’t.
Jane:
That interesting?
Charles:
I know we’re talking about Singapore, but I feel like a lot of this could apply anywhere, right?
Jane:
Totally. Absolutely. Like, for example, they talk a lot about how parents need to work as a team, you know, not just dividing, conquer the to do list. Yeah, but actually work together. So.
Charles:
It’s more than just checking things off. It’s about showing your kid we’re all in this together.
Jane:
Presenting a united front, you know, it helps kids feel more secure, less anxious about going back. Totally. It’s like, oh, we’re all doing this. We’re all part of this.
Charles:
You know, there was one suggestion that I thought was really intriguing. It was about letting kids pick out their own stationery, not just the cheapest stuff, but actually letting them have some say. Oh, interesting. Yeah, you know, like notebooks and pens that they actually like.
Jane:
I love that. And you know what? There’s actually research that backs that up. Giving kids even little choices like that can really boost their engagement at school. That sense of ownership, right, even over something small can make a big difference.
Charles:
Like it becomes my notebook. It’s like my school year.
Jane:
Exactly. It’s theirs. And, you know, that really connects to this other big theme I’m seeing and all this stuff about routine teens, right? And not just having a routine, but like practicing it before school starts.
Charles:
Okay. Yeah, I have to admit when I first read that, I was like, who has time for that, right? But it actually makes a lot of sense.
Jane:
It does. Think about it. You’re basically creating a roadmap for your kid. So there’s less uncertainty, less stress on that first day. Imagine how much smoother those first few mornings could be if everyone just knows, like, this is what we do, this is where we go, this is what’s expect did totally.
Charles:
And I’m thinking a smoother morning for them means a smoother morning for me. For.
Jane:
Everyone. Yeah, exactly. Less stress for everybody, which.
Charles:
Is always a good thing.
Jane:
Huge.
Charles:
Win. Okay, so this next step, I have to say when I read it, I was a little bit like, I don’t know, because they’re recommending you get kids involved in packing their own lunch. Oh, even if it takes longer and maybe even makes a little bit of a mess.
Jane:
I see. What do you think about that? Well, it’s.
Charles:
Not really just about getting the lunch packed, right? It’s about fostering like a healthy relationship with food, right? Research actually shows that when kids help make their food, they’re more likely to try new things and just overall have better eating habits. So it’s.
Jane:
Like it’s getting them excited about what’s in the lunchbox, not just getting it in the lunch.
Charles:
Box. Exactly. That’s a great way to put it. That’s interesting. And you know what? Plus they’re less likely to come home with a full lunch box. Oh, that’s a good point. Which is a win for.
Jane:
Everyone. I think so too. Yeah, you know, it’s totally normal, right, for everyone to have a little bit of those first day jitters?
Charles:
Oh, absolutely. Kids and parents.
Jane:
For sure. It’s a big day, you know, totally. So I was looking through all these articles and stuff and they had some good tips actually for handling those first day nerves.
Charles:
Like what? Well, one that really stuck out to me was like just encouraging kids to talk about their feelings. Good and bad, everything.
Jane:
It’s so important to make that space for them, right? Yeah, really. Let them express themselves without feeling judged or dismissed.
Charles:
Oh, not just telling them like, oh, you’ll be fine.
Jane:
Exactly. Let them process those emotions. It helps them develop coping mechanisms.
Charles:
That’s so interesting. There was another tip that I thought was really interesting, if you heard about this, but they were talking about visualization. Oh, visualization, yeah. Like actually having kids picture themselves, you know, having a good first day, making new friends. Do you think that actually works?
Jane:
Oh, it’s powerful for sure. It’s not just wishful thinking. It’s like training your brain, right? To focus on the positive and build confidence. Oh, interesting. It’s not just for kids either. No. Athletes use it all the time to prepare for competitions.
Charles:
This is like mental rehearsal. Exactly.
Jane:
You’re getting ready for that first day in your mind. I see it. And then, you know, along with visualization, they also talk about just basic relaxation techniques. Okay. Deep breathing. Oh, right. Especially deep breathing. When those nerves start to kick in, just those nice deep breaths can really help. Holy. And, you know, it’s not just about calming down in the moment. Deep breathing actually helps regulate your nervous system. So you’re actually reducing stress overall.
Charles:
I did not know that. That’s really good to know.
Jane:
It’s really good. So it.
Charles:
Seems like the big takeaway here is to give kids the tools to kind of manage their own emotions, not just fix things for them.
Jane:
Exactly. You gotta empower them, right, to become active participants in their own well being. Yeah, that’s.
Charles:
A good way to put it. And I like that they also talk about like setting realistic expectations for that first day.
Jane:
Right.
Charles:
Right. You know, instead of saying like, oh, go make a million best friends, maybe just focus on introducing yourself to one new person. Oh, I.
Jane:
Love that. Break it down, you know, make it manageable.
Charles:
Small victories. So I was thinking too, you know, I bet it’s really helpful for us to share our own first day stories. So deaf like, you know, with our kids so they know we’ve been there. It.
Jane:
Normalizes the experience, right? They realize they’re not alone in feeling this way.
Charles:
Yeah, for sure. Plus, I bet there’s some funny stories out there.
Jane:
Too. Oh, I’m sure everyone’s got a good embarrassing parent story. Exactly.
Charles:
Okay, so let’s move on to the practical stuff, you know, getting ready for that first.
Jane:
Day, a nitty gritty.
Charles:
Yeah, and the articles had a pretty good list of what to pack, covering like everything really. Yeah, from textbooks and notebooks to like wet wives and tissues, you know, for those spills.
Jane:
Oh, smart. It’s like a first day survival kit.
Charles:
I know, right.
Jane:
Especially for the younger kids. I bet that’s really important.
Charles:
Yeah, definitely. And of course, you’ve got to have snacks and lunch, all prep.
Jane:
Right? Of course. And one.
Charles:
Of the articles mentioned getting kids involved and picking our, preparing their lunch.
Jane:
Fun. Like a little mini cooking class.
Charles:
Yeah, exactly.
Jane:
That’s a great idea. And plus, then they’re more likely to actually eat it.
Charles:
I know. No more uneaten lunches. Come at home. Exactly. And it’s so important, you know, to keep them hydrated, like they were saying, especially in Singapore, you know, the climate.
Jane:
Yeah, gotta stay hybrid it.
Charles:
Send them with a full water bottle. It helps them focus and learn better.
Jane:
It’s amazing how much of a difference that makes, right? I know, right?
Charles:
It’s so simple, but so important.
Jane:
It’s like their whole body just functions.
Charles:
Better. Okay, so this next point sparked a bit of a debate online.
Jane:
Oh, really? What’s that? It was.
Charles:
About packing a comfort item like, you know, a stuffed animal or a small blanket if the school allows.
Jane:
It. Oh, right.
Charles:
What do you think about that?
Jane:
Well, I think it depends. You know, every kid’s different. Some kids might really benefit from having that familiar thing with them, especially in a new environment. Like a little piece of.
Charles:
Home.
Jane:
Exactly. But, you know, if the school doesn’t allow it, maybe there are other ways to create that same sense of security. Right? Right. Like a special note from a parent tucked in their lunch.
Charles:
Box. Oh, that’s a great idea.
Jane:
I love that. You know, just something to remind them that they’re loved and supported.
Charles:
And the articles also mentioned that, you know, not all kids are gonna be ready at the same pace.
Jane:
That’s so true.
Charles:
Like some might need a little more time to adjust to the idea of school starting again.
Jane:
Absolutely. It’s important to start prepping early, right? A few weeks, even a month before forehand. Just ease them back into the routine, not just.
Charles:
Bring it on them.
Jane:
Yeah, exactly. And all along the way, you know, just keep talking to them, right? Checking in about their feelings, really listening to them, you know, and addressing any.
Charles:
Concerns. It’s about making them feel like they’re part of the process.
Jane:
Exactly. Not just along for the ride.
Charles:
And you know what? It’s not all serious business, right? We could have some fun with it, too. Oh, for sure. Like some of the articles even suggested making the day feel special. Oh yeah, like, you know, a special breakfast or maybe a little note in their backpack.
Jane:
I love that. Just those little touches to make it exciting.
Charles:
Yeah, create some positive vibe.
Jane:
Totally celebrate this new chapter. You know, I believe.
Charles:
Wow, we covered a lot today. I know, right? It’s amazing how much goes into getting ready for school.
Jane:
It really is. It’s not just about like buying stuff.
Charles:
Not at all. Yeah, I think one of the biggest things I’m taking away from all of this is how important. It is to really work together as a family.
Jane:
Oh, absolutely. It’s all about collaboration, right?
Charles:
And communication, too, like really listening to your.
Jane:
Kids and empowering them too, right? Are we giving them choices like we talked about, even if it’s a little messy sometimes?
Charles:
I know, right? It’s about letting them like own the experience a little bit.
Jane:
Exactly. Make it theirs. And I think when you do that, it helps them get excited about learning, not just academics.
Charles:
Yeah, that’s a good point. It’s like creating that positive environment.
Jane:
Yeah, a supportive environment where they feel good about going back to.
Charles:
School. And you know what? We don’t have to be perfect at all. This. Not.
Jane:
At all. Just try, right?
Charles:
Yeah, even just a few little changes can make a difference.
Jane:
Totally. Progress, not perfection, right? That’s what I always say.
Charles:
I love that. Progress, not perfection. So, you know, thinking about everything we talked about, it makes me feel really good actually about this whole back to school thing. Me too. Even though it can be hectic, it’s like with a little planning, a little bit of, you know, listening to each other, yeah, a lot.
Jane:
Of heart, it.
Charles:
Can actually be a really good experience.
Jane:
It can be a really positive, memorable experience for everyone.
Charles:
Totally. So listener, we want to hear from you. What really stuck with you from all of this? What are you gonna try with your family as you get ready for that first day back in January?
Jane:
Let us know. We’d love to hear what you’re thinking.
Charles:
We’d love hearing from you. We do. Thanks for joining us on this deep dive into back to school in Singapore. Yeah. Until next time.
Jane:
Happy learning.