Estonian psychologist offers tips for parents of first graders

Children in Estonia typically begin school around age seven, but school readiness is about more than knowing letters and numbers, says Viktoriia Tkachuk, a psychologist at the Tartu Rajaleidja Center. She points to emotional, social, cognitive, language and physical development as equally important, including a child's ability to focus, follow instructions, communicate and manage everyday tasks.

Tkachuk stresses that well-rounded development matters most — a curious, engaged child ready to learn is generally prepared for school, with other skills developing over time. Parents can help by involving children in daily routines, such as preparing school items, and by fostering genuine curiosity rather than drilling academic skills, which can lead to tiredness and frustration.

Starting school in a new language

Children who attend school in a language different from their home language can feel anxious or like outsiders. Practicing basic phrases, roleplaying classroom scenarios, and watching cartoons or listening to music in Estonian can ease the transition. At the same time, Tkachuk urges parents to keep speaking their native language at home, noting that a strong first language supports rather than hinders learning a second one.

Emotional support and homework

Parents are encouraged to speak positively about school, maintain predictable routines and talk with their child each evening about their day. If a child resists going to school, parents should respond with curiosity rather than argument and avoid comparing children to one another. When it comes to homework, parents should guide rather than take over, letting children solve problems themselves and praising effort over results.

Friendships and further help

Social skills develop through play, and parents can help by discussing conflicts with their child without judgment. Classmates who speak different languages at home may need extra time to feel comfortable. Tkachuk notes that adjusting to school can take several months, and if difficulties persist, families should seek help from a psychologist, a Rajaleidja center, or their child's teachers. The advice was published through "Let's Learn Together," a new resource available in English, Estonian, Russian and Ukrainian.