When attending school for the first time in their lives, the adaptation time varies from child to child. One of the concerns is to make the period as short as possible so that each child can attend school naturally. A great deal of anxiety comes from the parents, which also ends up reflecting on the child.

For example: let's assume that a preschool-aged child has never been to a supermarket and, months before, the parents start preparing them to meet you. The “unknown” is presented in the most detailed way possible. Certainly, on the first day she goes to the supermarket, she will be surprised and have reactions similar to those on the first day of school. How many parents return from the amusement park frustrated because their children are insecure about the rides and don't have the fun they thought they would?

Let us now imagine learning the act of sailing. The “first-time sailor” will have to learn how to handle his sailboat while still on land. Then, already in the water, your first attempts will always be along the shore. Only after you really get to know your boat and the sea will it start to pull away. Any unexpected fact will make you return to the sidelines immediately. This is the adaptation at Escola Canarinho!

Every child, when accompanied by their parents, feels safer and more confident. The proposal of Escola Canarinho is to avoid a climate of expectation. And instead of all the verbal preparation, parents should go to school and have their children follow them. The school becomes just another place to be visited, without fears and prejudices.

Like the sailor who observes the sea and handles the boat, the child, when entering the school, begins to observe the environment that surrounds him with the intention of getting to know it. Right now, she needs her mother's presence, like the apprentice who hasn't ventured out yet, staying on safe land. When the boat becomes a familiar element, the sailor takes to the sea, only resorting to the shore in situations where he feels unprotected. In the same way, the child in the process of adapting to school only looks for the mother in moments of insecurity. When she acquires confidence in herself, she will no longer ask for her mother's presence and will start “moving away from the shore”.

The time required for this adaptation depends on a series of factors: the environment, the child's attachment and, mainly, the people who participate with him in this process.

We know that the adaptation period is fundamental for your child to be calm and happy at school, but we also know that it is a difficult period for everyone (mother, father, child and school), because we need to know each other to feel comfortable. Children's lives are full of challenges and new experiences, and when it comes time to adapt to school, it's no different. The moment is delicate and demands special attention from the family.

But how to make this experience something less complicated? Here are 10 essential tips that can help you:

1. Understand and respect the process

Adaptation should occur gradually, without trauma. So it's likely that you'll have to drop your child off at school a little bit each day, starting with an hour stay. This process is fundamental, because even if the child seems comfortable and safe, the change in routine can generate insecurity and fear. It will be up to the school to make the proper reception to establish affective bonds, leaving the child calmer. Empathy, emotional support and welcoming are keywords at this stage.

2. Understand the challenges and focus on the benefits

Every change causes discomfort, and precisely because of this, it takes time to adapt. During this period, it is natural for the mother to become more sensitive, and for the child to cry, show changes in mood, appetite and behavior. Understanding that these fluctuations are normal and part of the process makes the journey easier. Want to calm down? Focus on the benefits. Remember that this “momentary break” is necessary for you to resume your routine, that the initial longing and apprehension diminish over time and that this experience will help your child's development, making him more independent and confident.

3. Adjust baby's routine

Before starting to adapt, find out about the school's routine and schedules, and try to make some adjustments at home. Avoid taking the child to the moment of adaptation if he is hungry or sleepy. Also remember that the teacher may pay more attention to your child if you arrive at different times than the start and finish time, when all the other students arrive at school.

4. Respect the child's rhythm

Adaptation time depends on your child's pace. Each child is unique and reacts differently, so the school and the family need to work in partnership, monitoring this evolution on a daily basis and making the necessary adjustments.

5. Trust the school and work as a team

In order for the child to feel good, you also need to trust the school. Believe that the institution you have chosen is prepared to deal with circumstances that are a reflection of the adaptation phase. Avoid speaking in front of the child phrases like “I'm worried he won't adapt” or “I wonder if they're taking good care of him?”, as they can generate insecurity or unwanted behavior. Reinforce the good things, like friends, playground, pranks. Remember: the adaptation phase is also the time for the family and the school to get to know each other and join forces for the benefit of the child. If you have questions or are dissatisfied with something, don't leave it for later. Talk as many times as necessary, because the calmer and more confident you are, the better for your child.

6. Be brief and sweet when saying goodbye

Upon reaching the classroom door, look at the child with assurance and affection. Tell her it's important that she stays with the class now, that you'll be back soon, and hand her over to the teacher. If the child is older, encourage him to walk to school. Also, never say “I'm going over there and I'll be right back” or take advantage of a moment when the child is distracted to leave. By doing this, you undermine the relationship of trust, because when being deceived, the child feels sad, frustrated and even abandoned, which makes it difficult (and very!) to adapt. Finally, try not to be late picking up your child, especially during this period.

7. Make the right choice

The definition of who will accompany the child in the adaptation is something strategic. In addition to considering factors such as availability, self-control and emotional bond, it is important to think with whom the process would be more “uncomplicated”. Also consider that fitting must be done by a single family member.

8. Stay out of the child's field of vision

Every school needs time and space to earn and gain student confidence. Therefore, it is common for the institution to ask the adult to leave during the adaptation. When parents are around, it is common for the child not to let go, avoid the company of other people and behave differently. Even knowing this, if you decide to stay, make sure the child doesn't see you, only show up if the teacher calls you and hold back that urge to enter the room at the first cry.

9. Promote emotional security

Send the school some reference from home, something that makes your child feel more confident and calm (pacifier, blanket or stuffed animal). Pack a small backpack with just the essentials. Parents can also take the child to see the school before the adaptation begins.

10. Lower expectations and embrace emotions

Take a deep breath and manage your expectations. Ask for help. Understand that this journey may be calm and serene, or perhaps turbulent, but school will be a safe haven, especially when your child is in kindergarten. Know the possibilities, accept and welcome the emotions that are present and remember that you don't have to be strong all the time. Just believe that everything will work out in the end.