Routine and positivity key to starting school success

Put away the devices, establish a good routine, and temper expectations is the advice of Townsville Hospital paediatrician Dr Jason Yates for parents with children starting Prep this year.

Dr Yates said now was the ideal time for parents of soon-to-be Prep students to put some structure into their children’s day, making it easier for them to settle into the routine of school life.

“At this age, children are playing freely and eating when they’re hungry; start now with a set time for morning tea and lunch and practise sitting quietly to listen to a story or play a simple board game to make the transition to school a smooth one,” he said.

Dr Yates said it was important for children to have a consistent bedtime in the lead-up to school.

“Prep children need between 10 and 12 hours sleep a night so ideally parents should be aiming for a 7.30pm bedtime,” he said.

“They also need to limit electronic devices, like iPads, that inhibit sleep. A good night’s sleep helps a child’s concentration, attentiveness and behaviour.”

Dr Yates said children could foreseeably be upset on the first day of school but it was important for parents not to linger over their goodbyes.

“Introduce them to their teacher and look for someone they might know,” he said.

“Don’t come back for multiple hugs and goodbyes; give them a hug and kiss, reassure them you’ll be back after school, say goodbye and leave,” he said.

“They will settle down much faster if you don’t prolong the inevitable.”

Dr Yates said parents should talk positively and reassuringly to their children in the lead-up to school but not overdo it.

“Invite them to talk about what they’ll be doing and encourage them to think of school as somewhere fun and safe but don’t make it a bigger deal than it is.”

Dr Yates said it was also important for parents to have reasonable expectations of their Prep children and not jump the gun on possible ‘problems’.

“Children develop and learn at different rates and they need time to adjust to the school environment and routine,” he said.

“Starting their formal education is a big change in a little person’s life and we need to give them time and space to get used to things and not jump to hasty conclusions about behaviours or learning abilities.”

Dr Yates said starting school was also a good opportunity to promote healthy eating with lunch boxes that included a sandwich, two or three serves of fruit, raw vegetables, and water.

“Avoid processed or packaged food and sugary drinks which are not good for children’s teeth.”

Dr Yates said he was on notice to take his own advice with youngest child Isla starting Prep at St Joseph’s Mundingburra this year.

“She’s very excited about following her big brother to school,” he said.

“As parents, while it’s hard to let them go, it’s lovely to see them start a brand-new chapter.”

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