By Isabel Ovalle
Families are getting ready for the ‘back to school madness’. For many expat kids the end of the holidays not only marks the return to the classrooms, but also to Qatar, after spending their vacation days in their home countries. Consequently, this process requires an extra effort to adjust; in addition, many newbies must also concentrate on finding a spot for their children in school.
In this context, Patricia Rocha, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who works with local families here, emphasized that “going back to school is a period of transition for children and it can create stress for them.”
According to this expert, it is common for children to offer some resistance, especially the younger ones. “From a child’s perspective, life would be better if the summertime could last forever - without a school schedule and homework - and in the comforting company of loving family members,” she added.
Even though it is normal to feel some anxiety at the beginning of a school year, there are things parents can do to ease back to school nervousness and help the child get ready. Among the recommendations Rocha offered is simply talking to youngsters and asking what there feelings are.
“If the child feels apprehension about the change, talk about it and validate the child’s feelings. Let your child know that most children feel nervous about the first week back and provide reassurance and comfort,” said the therapist.
Also, if the child is new to the school, take the time and show him or her around the school. Rocha suggested: “Show the child the classroom, the bathroom, and patio where she/he will be going during recess time, etcetera. Some schools hold orientation sessions, which are great opportunities for parents and children to meet teachers and school staff,” continued the specialist.
Ultimately, parents need to inform the child what the schedule will be like (morning routine, school stay, coming home, homework, play time, sports), given that children respond better when they are told in advance what is expected from them. It is also good to point out the positive aspects of starting school, such as reuniting with friends or rejoining a special class.
Another ace in the hole for parents, especially for those of younger kids, is building up excitement about going shopping for back-to-school supplies or new clothes, uniforms, physical activities outfits or shoes.
However, if the child is a preschooler, he or she will be more likely to experience separation anxiety and the transition from home to school can be particularly stressful for both the parents and the little ones. In this context, parents can consider attending educational workshops on the subject, if the school offers them, or join private ones like those Rocha gives at the beginning of the school year.
The expert highlighted that actions by proactive parents will ease the overall transition. Parents need to get organized and start preparation to go back to school with at least one week in advance and reestablish family routines. It helps if children practice school time routines a week before the start of the new academic year.
Rocha concluded: “If the family has spent the summer away from Doha, it would help if parents reconnect with their child’s school friends in Doha prior to the start of the new school year.”
In addition to the usual possible difficulties families face during the back to school process, parents often can’t find spots for their children in local schools. This task becomes a test for them. That was the case for Carrie, an Australian mother who has been in Doha since February 2013 and found a place for her kids in a school, but they wont be able to join because their resident permit is still in process. Therefore the kids are homeschooled since they moved here.
On her part, a Spanish mother of two also faces extra madness because the school where her older child attends has changed class starting dates up to three times. “If we knew before we would have organized the return to Doha a few days later, given that the initial starting date was September 3 and is now September 16,” she said.
