What type of parent are you?

It’s only natural that you are worried about your little one starting school. Perhaps the whole experience is stirring up some uncomfortable memories of your own experiences of school. You may find it helpful and reassuring to go along to events that the school lays on for new parents to meet others and talk through your concerns. Quite often the PTA is there and these experienced old hands may give you just the advice you need to proceed with confidence.

You have been thinking about this big step for ages and are READY. But please don’t exhaust yourself as you have years of schooling to come. Remember your child’s development is a process and not a race. You have amazing energy and drive so why not put this to constructive use by organising a social event for reception parents or getting involved in the Christmas fair.

Being thrust into making small talk with strangers is just not your thing. You suspect lots of parents know each other already. Why does everyone else seem so confident? Although it may feel like it, you are not alone in having these feelings. The staff will be happy to talk with you about any aspect of your child starting school. And there are advantages in getting to know a few other families at your own pace. You may find becoming a volunteer in school helps you get to know people better – this could include helping the PTA with the school library or helping out with others at the weekend. You may also find joining the school or PTA UK Facebook group a fun way to engage with other parents at the time or place of your choosing.

You feel well prepared as a family and trust the school and your child will get along fine. Your level-headedness could really help other new families in school so do consider whether you could step up to be the class rep for the parent council or PTA. However, do remember that it’s worth knowing what support may be available if things don’t quite go to plan such as dealing with the school or needing help with learning at home.