What sort of Reception parent are you?
What sort of Reception parent are you?
Starting school is a big step, and one that parents deal with in various ways. Take our fun test to find out what your approach says about you.
Starting school is a big step, and one that parents deal with in various ways. Take our fun test to find out what your approach says about you.
Does the thought of stepping back into the playground...
When you think about your child starting school are you...
When it comes to your child learning to read and write, how do you feel?
To prepare my child for going to big school over the summer, I want to...
To make sure everything runs smoothly when they start school I will:
Starting school is a big step, and can be emotional and tiring. Do you...
You're an - Uneasy Parent
You're an - Uneasy Parent
It's natural to be worried about your little one starting school. Perhaps the whole experience is stirring up some uncomfortable memories from your own experiences of school. But that doesn't mean your own child will have the same experiences, as the author of this blog about supporting her children through starting school found: https://www.parentkind.org.uk/blog/8274/Its-the-first-day-of-school-for-you-too
You may find it helpful and reassuring to go to the events the school lays on for new parents to meet others and talk through your concerns. Quite often the PTA will be there, and these experienced old hands may give you just the advice you need to proceed with confidence. And remember, don't let the competitive parents worry you - read our blog on how it's all a load of nonsense to reassure yourself: https://www.parentkind.org.uk/blog/8293/Ignore-the-nonsense.
If you're worried your child might not settle, this parent's account of how her daughter overcame a bad start at school may be good to read: https://www.parentkind.org.uk/blog/8222/When-first-day-tears-last-all-term.
Find out more about supporting your child's learning and preparing for school at: www.parentkind.org.uk/For-Parents
You're an Enthusiastic Parent
You're an Enthusiastic Parent
You've been thinking about this big step for ages, and are READY. But please don't exhaust yourself right away as you have years of schooling to come. Remember, your child's development is a process and not a race - don't get too competitive (see our blog at https://www.parentkind.org.uk/blog/8293/Ignore-the-nonsense for more).
Why not put your amazing energy and drive to use by organising a social event for other Reception parents, or getting involved in the Christmas fair? Or join the PTA of course - read a blog about one parent's experience of taking the PTA plunge at https://www.parentkind.org.uk/blog/6890/Why-I-took-the-PTA-plunge.
Find out more about supporting your child's learning and preparing for school at: www.parentkind.org.uk/For-Parents
You're a Cautious Parent
You're a Cautious Parent
Being thrust into making small talk with strangers is just not your thing. A lot of the parents obviously know each other already, and everyone else seems ridiculously confident.
Although it may feel like it, you're not the only one having these feelings. Don't keep worries to yourself - the staff will be happy to talk to you about any aspect of your child starting school. And there are advantages to getting to know a few other families at your own pace. Don't let any competition over children's progress unsettle you - read our blog on why it's nonsense best ignored at https://www.parentkind.org.uk/blog/8293/Ignore-the-nonsense.
You may find becoming a volunteer in school helps you get to know other people - this could be something like helping children with their reading, or joining in with PTA activities at the weekend. You may also find joining the school or Parentkind Facebook community a good way to engage with other parents in a way that suits you.
Find out more about supporting your child's learning and preparing for school at: www.parentkind.org.uk/For-Parents
You're an Optimistic Parent
You're an Optimistic Parent
You feel well prepared as a family and trust that the school and your child will get along fine. Your level-headedness could really help other new families in school, so do consider if you could step up to be the class rep, or join the parent council or PTA - read a blog about one parent's experience of taking the PTA plunge at https://www.parentkind.org.uk/blog/6890/Why-I-took-the-PTA-plunge.
But do remember it's worth finding out what support is available if things don't go quite to plan - information on dealing with the school or helping with learning at home could come in useful.
Find out more about supporting your child's learning and getting ready for school at: www.parentkind.org.uk/For-Parents