Five tips for parents preparing children for first grade
With the school year starting soon, CreaKids primary school director Kristīne Lepnāne offers parents advice on helping first-graders and themselves adjust to the transition. She stresses that preparation involves not just school supplies but also attitude and daily routine.
As September 1 approaches, many families are in the final stretch of preparing children for their first year of school. Kristīne Lepnāne, director of the CreaKids primary school, notes that this transition affects parents as much as children, and highlights several points worth keeping in mind.
Adjustment takes time
The first month of school is an adaptation period, bringing a new environment, daily rhythm, teachers and classmates. Lepnāne advises parents to focus on asking how their child felt and what they experienced, rather than only on achievements, since every child adapts at their own pace.
Let children form their own impressions
Well-meaning reassurances like "everything will be fine" are, according to the author, less useful than allowing the child to build their own understanding of school and subjects. Children settle into new environments differently, and parents should trust their child's ability to gradually find their place.
Plan the family routine
Before school starts, families should discuss practical matters — wake-up times, who will take the child to school and pick them up, how the school day fits with parents' work schedules, and bedtime and meal routines. Walking or driving the school route in advance can also help.
Calm listening and communication with teachers
If a child comes home upset, the most important thing is to listen calmly and help them understand what happened, involving the teacher if needed. Official school communication channels are recommended for contacting teachers, while parent chat groups should be used only for practical information, not for resolving individual situations.
The author concludes that preparing for first grade is not just about school bags and supplies, but also about parents' calm, engaged attitude, which helps children settle into their new environment more easily.
