TEACHING CHILDREN COPING STRATEGIES
- Teaching children to identify their emotions, trust their emotions and body sensations allows them to grow confidence and resilience that they will take along into grown up life.
- Educate your children on how to deal with overwhelming emotions (anger, anxiety and worry in a positive, encouraging way instead of suppressing or belittling their experiences).
- Equip them with coping skills: What helped you to cope previously? What else is in your control?
- What kind of support does your child need? If it is academic performance – find the source of the problem, attention/memory etc. Does he need a tutor? A more structured and quiet home environment? More emotional support? Less distractions like social media?
- Invest your heart and time in improving Self-Image and Self-esteem of your children. Talk with your child:
What are you proud of in your achievement? What do you think is your strength?
How can you develop it more? What else are you good at?
Get the child involved in family activities to find out his/her strengths.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
- It is not advised to unnecessary change schools unless some serious matters have been noticed like persistent bullying (with no proper interventions from teachers and school management)
- Do not underestimate child’s school readiness before placing your child to Grade 1! School readiness can play a major role on your child psychological development and adjustment to formal education. You do not need to rush your child. For some children staying at kindergarden for one more year makes a huge difference. School readiness can be assessed by a professional Psychologist.