As educators and administrative personnel return to schools today to facilitate a seamless transition for students next week, it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children are prepared for the first day of school. This involves monitoring their mental, physical, and psychological well-being.
The transition back to the school routine can be challenging for both parents and children, necessitating the development of physical, emotional, and social skills crucial for academic success, according to experts at Khaleej Times. Dr. Salman Kareem, a Specialist Psychiatry at Aster Royal Clinic, highlighted various medical, emotional, and adaptive challenges students encounter during this period.
"The primary challenges include exposure to illnesses in new environments, interactions with peers, and sleep disruptions due to late-night habits formed during holidays. Additionally, students may face difficulties such as fear of social interactions and stress from shifting from a relaxed holiday period to a more demanding school routine," he explained.
Dr. Kareem advised that as schools reopen in six days, children should adjust their routines to facilitate a smooth return to school. "Adjusting sleeping patterns weeks before school starts, encouraging open communication, and gradually implementing school-like routines help psychologically prepare the child for school," he added. Dr. Kareem also encouraged family meals and discussions to promote open communication and emotional support, and suggested assigning small tasks to foster a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.
Meanwhile, Liliane Kantar, a therapist at Aman Lil Afia Clinic Dubai, recommended using a countdown calendar to help children visualize the days leading up to school, thereby reducing anxiety and increasing anticipation. She suggested engaging children in learning activities such as revisiting previous school materials to prepare them for what to expect. Dr. Kantar noted that the challenges vary among children, especially those with medical conditions like asthma, allergies, or ADHD, and emphasized the need for close coordination with school staff to update them on any medical needs or changes in care plans.
