The fears of children and parents

Entering the world of "grown-ups" when starting kindergarten can cause some fears, both in children and parents. 

Children's fears

There is a lot of new and unknown around the start of kindergarten. It is therefore normal for your child to be worried. See how to react to reassure him if he has specific fears.

He is afraid of not having friends.

Since your child doesn't yet know who will be in his class, he may be worried about having no friends. Reassure him by reminding him that if he managed to make friends at daycare or the park, he should make friends at school.

Please encourage your child to observe the students in his class and discover those who enjoy the same games. There are probably more than he thinks! You can also advise him to see one child at a time and ask him to play with him. It's easier than going to a group.

He is afraid of being embarrassed by his teacher.

Your child may be uncomfortable with the teacher*because. He does not know her yet. He may feel embarrassed to ask for help or raise his hand if he doesn't understand something.

Suggest that your child goes to one child at a time to ask him to play with him. It's easier than going to a whole group.

Tell her that the teacher will be happy to answer her questions that it is part of her job to help her.

Invite your child to talk with her about his activities and what he likes at recess, for example. This creates a link. Gradually, he will feel more comfortable asking for help if needed.

He is afraid of getting lost in school.

An academy is a new place for your Kid. It's bigger than a daycare, and there are many people he doesn't know. It's normal for him to be afraid of getting lost.

Reassure him that he can ask any adult in the school for help. Whether a teacher, the janitor, the director, or the secretary, they can all help her find her class.

Parents' fears

You may also have specific fears related to your child's entry into kindergarten, especially if it's your first! However, it is essential to find ways to reassure yourself so that you do not transmit your fears to your child.

I'm afraid he won't be able to organize himself.

It's true that at the beginning, your child could, for example, have some difficulty getting dressed on his own or getting organized with his lunch. But don't forget that he goes to school to learn!

Help him become more confident and independent by getting him used to doing things independently and giving him small responsibilities. Your child can help you make his lunch and prepare his clothes for the next day, for example.

I'm afraid he has no friends.

As a parent, you want your child to be loved and have fun with others. But arriving in a new group to make friends is still a challenge!

To support your kid in developing fine colonial talents, give him frequent opportunities to play with others, such as going to the park, the neighborhood pool, or inviting a friend over. The best thing is to let the children invent their games. If a dispute arises, it is good to find a solution together.

Every day, your child will improve and be able to do more and more things on his own.

I'm afraid he'll be bullied.

Are you fearful that your kid will be left or teased at the academy? This fear can be caused by everything we hear about it in the media.

To equip your child, show him how to set his limits. For example, say: "You can tell your friend that you don't want to play anymore or that it's your turn to decide the game." Teaching your child how to say what he wants and what he feels makes it possible to help prevent bullying.

Also, remind your child that he can always see an adult (teacher, supervisor) if he needs help. And if you think your child is being rejected or bullied, talk to their teacher right away.

To retain

• It is usual for children and parents to have some concerns about entering kindergarten.
• Could you talk with your child about their fears? This will then allow you to reassure him.
• It's also essential to find ways to calm your fears so that you don't pass them on to your child. 
• Also Read: The Soft Roots