Every time a child transitions to a new grade, parents often worry about their child’s mental well-being and emotional health. Major life changes, from the learning environment to new social relationships, can profoundly impact a child’s emotions and behavior. To help children adapt and thrive, parents should be aware of the factors that may affect their child’s psychological state when they start school.
Changes in Environment
Adjusting to a new environment is never easy. Even adults face challenges when moving from one company to another. For children, constantly changing schools, making new friends, and getting used to a “new society” can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, or even a reluctance to go to school each day. These changes may include:
New Learning Environment: Children must adapt to a new classroom and learning space. For children attending school for the first time, facing a large environment with many unfamiliar faces can create feelings of insecurity and discomfort.
New Schedule and Routines: Changes in school hours and participation in structured learning and play activities can cause children to feel tired and stressed during the first few weeks of school.
Educational Methods
The teaching methods at school play a significant role in shaping a child’s attitude and emotions toward learning. Each school has its own unique educational approach and core values. Therefore, a consistent teaching method that encourages creativity and respects the child’s individuality will help children develop confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
Changes in Educational Approach: If the educational methods are too demanding, requiring children to achieve excellent results in a short amount of time, they may feel stressed, anxious, and lose confidence. This can negatively affect their mental state, leading to fear of going to school and avoiding learning.
Support and Encouragement from Teachers: A teaching method that provides positive support from teachers will help children feel more confident in their studies. Encouraging words and praise from teachers can motivate children to overcome challenges and difficulties.
Relationships with Teachers and Friends
Teachers and friends are the closest relationships that directly influence a child’s mental well-being when they start school. These relationships can support children in developing social skills, but they can also create anxiety and stress if not nurtured properly.
Teachers: Teachers are not only knowledge providers but also guides who care for the child’s emotional well-being. A warm, friendly teacher who understands and empathizes with the child will make them feel safe and confident at school. On the other hand, strict or impatient teachers can make children feel scared, unmotivated, and reluctant to share their difficulties.
Friendships: Friendships provide children with opportunities to learn, share, and develop social skills. Children will feel happier and more at ease when they have close friends with whom they share interests and play together. However, if children face conflicts, isolation, or bullying from their peers, they may feel sad, lonely, and lacking in self-confidence.
The changes in the learning environment, educational methods, and relationships with teachers and friends all significantly affect a child’s mental well-being. For children to have a positive and happy school experience, parents need to ensure they provide a safe, open learning environment with a consistent path that aligns with their child’s personality and aspirations. Only when children enjoy learning and feel happy going to school will they be able to confidently conquer future challenges and goals.
