Expressing that many problems may arise during the back-to-school period, Specialist Clinical Psychologist Gülşah Özgenç said, “We may encounter different or intense emotions such as restlessness, anxiety, fear, excessive excitement, apathy. Parents listening to their children's concerns will facilitate the process of adaptation to school. If the child does not want to go to school, the reason for this should be discussed and the child should be reassured.”
Specialist Clinical Psychologist Gülşah Özgenç from İSÜ Medical Park Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital made explanations about the school adaptation process in children before the lessons that will start next week in some primary schools and kindergartens within the framework of the adaptation process. Stating that many problems may arise during the back-to-school period, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Özgenç said, “We may experience different or intense emotions. These situations may include restlessness, anxiety, fear, excessive excitement, apathy. It is time to transition from the cozy summer environment to the complexity of the school year. It will of course be difficult for them to get out of this comfortable environment. Therefore, adaptation problems, reluctance to go to school, distraction in lessons, crying crises and withdrawal in social relations can be observed.”
“Sleep and eating habits should be organized”
Stating that a few important points should be considered during the school adaptation process, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Özgneç said, “Sleeping and eating habits should be reorganized especially in the last weeks of the summer vacation so that they can get used to the school routine. It is important to talk about school and emphasize its importance. Parents listening to their children's concerns will also facilitate the school adaptation process. If the child does not want to go to school, the reason for this should be discussed and the child should be reassured. Telling and supporting the child that he will not only spend his time with lessons, but will continue his social life outside, can reduce his concerns about school.”
“Children's emotional needs should not be ignored”
Stating that one of the common mistakes is ignoring the emotional needs of children, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Özgenç said, “These anxieties that children experience about school are part of the natural process. Therefore, underestimating, ignoring or resenting these feelings may cause children to withdraw from the school process and become withdrawn. At the same time, excessive expectations and discipline can also lead to loss of motivation.”
“Families should also manage their own anxiety”
Emphasizing that families should first learn to manage their own anxiety in this process, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Özgenç shared the following information:
“Afterwards, parents should be there for their child with understanding and patience. For children going to school for the first time, it is important to have positive and informative conversations about what school is like. In particular, children should be told that school is not only an academic place but also a social place.”
“Attention deficit can cause learning difficulties”
Drawing attention to the fact that some primary school children may have learning difficulties, Uzm. Klnk. Psk. Özgenç said, “There may be many reasons for this. Such as attention deficit hyperactivity, delays in language development, dyslexia, environmental stress factors. These problems can make it difficult for children to learn. But they can be prevented with early and correct intervention. Therefore, it is important for teachers as well as parents to carefully monitor the symptoms of these children.”
“Excessive limits should not be set”
Adding that it may be necessary to impose some limitations for the child who gets used to playing games too much during the summer vacation, Uzman. Klnk. Psk. Özgenç said, “However, flexible limits should be set instead of strict limits and gradual limits should be set. When setting these limits, the reasons for them should be conveyed to the child. Increasing family activities while setting these limits can help children accept the change more easily. Showing patience and understanding during the school adaptation process will make it easier for children to successfully adapt to the new period.”
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