Tips to prepare children for the reopening of a new term

By Dickson Tumuramye

Our children are going back to school amidst the economic crisis in Uganda. The prices of some commodities are so high. What you could have projected as children are going back to school next week may have been grossly affected by changing prices now and then. We have also just finished the Easter festive celebrations.

You may not be in a position to provide all the necessities as has been the case before. This somehow is causing some sleepless nights. Maybe you don't even have enough school fees to pay at school on the reporting day.

This is not time to be under too much pressure. The situation you are in now may happen tomorrow yet life has to go on, children must report back to school. School fees and scholastic needs can never be an emergency because we always know the schedule of when they go back to school in a year. But planning and fulfilling what is expected may never be easy. So how do you go about it?

Sit with your children

If you feel you are not in the right position to provide everything as you always do, explain to your children and tell them how it is unfortunate but assure them that you will do your best to ensure no one drops out of school. These other things they need are important but you have prioritized their fees and mandatory scholastic requirements. Other things which can be done away with, can be considered next time.

Some children may not understand you and throw tantrums but preparing them to know what to expect is a very good idea. One time they will appreciate and will not blame you. Others who may understand may even give you ideas on how best you can overcome such anxieties at such times like this.

Prioritize what is more crucial

 The child’s list of requirements is too long and all seem important. There are other pressing family needs. You must cut your coat according to the clothing you have.  Look at those necessities and categorize them under what is very urgent, and what is very important and see what you can do now and others later. This should be in line with the child’s needs and school needs and the capacity you have to provide.

Counsel your child

Some children’s academic performance during the last term was poor and both of you were disappointed. Other children came back home with different issues and they may be scared to report back to school. Others have their chronicle challenges and phobia for school. There is no need to be discouraged or be hard on your child. Just counsel this child and encourage them. Children need to know that we too underwent through such challenges but zeal, determination, and commitment with trust in God enabled us to be where we are today.

If there were challenges in performance, discuss new strategies for improvement. Ask your child how he/she intends to get better academic results. Understand why they failed to make it and address those issues in this new term. If the child is a candidate, do your best to offer and promise support and walk the journey together. It is your child and any success or failure affects both of you.

Work with school administration or class teachers

Some issues may be beyond your control and at school, they can be managed. See who you need to engage to help your child depending on the need and focus on that. You too always endeavor to follow up with the person you have put in charge and always find out if the child is progressing.

Reduce pressure on children

Most children in schools are complaining that there is too much pressure and they have no time to relax. Some have even hated schools and others feel, that dying is a better option. They don't know who to tell their challenges because parents and teachers are all pressuring them. Children start their school day at 3 am with morning prep to 6 am, they start classes between 7:30 am to 8 am until 5 pm. They are again in class from 7 pm to 9 pm or 10 pm. They are reading for tests, exams, etc. They came home with a lot of holiday packages and literally had no time to rest. They are also still absorbing the new abridged curriculum.

At school, they are never given enough time to relax their minds. The academic competition has become so much that we even produce children who are only academic-oriented and they lose in other aspects of life. They can’t think independently or creatively. Schools should also know these children cannot handle too much pressure on their brains and they should be considerate. Parents also should reduce doing the same to their children. Not all successful people in this world went to school. Therefore, formal education should not be the end.

Value goals over grades

Now that you have known that children are also under academic pressure, as a parent, plan with your child on how to handle it. Guide them on how to plan for time either at school or home. Tell them that amidst pressure they need to balance academics with social aspects like physical exercise, playing, praying, taking enough naps, etc. Discuss positive coping mechanisms and remain positive.

I wish you a happy term and excellence for your child.

The writer is a child advocate, parenting coach, and founder-Men of Purpose mentorship program.

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Dickson Tumuramye is also a motivational speaker on:

#Positive parenting

#Marriage and family

#Child counseling 

#Career guidance