When you accompany your child to school, whether it's daily or occasionally, it's crucial to have conversations about what they should learn and experience during the hours they spend there. School is their second home, but it is also a new community they are joining and will be a significant part of their daily routine for many years to come.
It’s important for mothers to make sure they clarify some of the rights that their children should have while at school, so that they don’t just become machines receiving information. Communication with the school community is the foundation of building your child's personality. In a special interview with Sidrati wa Tiflik, educational counselor Kawthar Abdel Wahab highlighted four key principles to remind your child of on the way to school. These principles will help your child navigate their school life and interact with others in a healthy way.
1. The Child's Right to Choose Their Friends
Talk to your child on the way to school, or during the walk from the house to the school bus, about the importance of having one close friend. School friendships can greatly impact your child's development, and it’s important for them to understand that it’s their right to choose their friend. While your child will naturally choose a friend who shares similar traits and habits, they might sometimes choose someone who is completely different. Be cautious of situations where your child may fall into the trap of bullying, especially if they choose a peer who might exploit or intimidate them.
Encourage your child to choose friends based on solid and healthy criteria. This friendship could potentially last a lifetime. Also, remind them that it’s perfectly fine to have other classmates and peers, but having one close friend with whom they can share their time and feelings is valuable.
2. The Right to Not Like Everyone They Meet
Explain to your child that it’s normal not to like everyone they meet at school. It’s important to show respect to everyone, but they don’t need to be friends with everyone. Teach your child that school is a diverse environment where they will encounter people with different behaviors, values, and lifestyles. What’s important is for them to interact with others respectfully without compromising their own sense of self.
They may feel uncomfortable when they realize that some children are raised differently, but remind them that this is expected and natural. They should keep their opinions to themselves and avoid conflicts. If necessary, you can work with the school’s educational counselor to find strategies for helping your child adapt to the school environment.
3. Asking the Teacher About What They Don't Understand
Teach your child not to feel embarrassed about asking the teacher when they don’t understand something during the lesson. It’s perfectly normal not to understand every point the teacher makes, and there is no shame in asking for clarification. In fact, it’s much worse to remain silent and allow misunderstandings to pile up. Encourage your child to communicate openly with the teacher, just as they would with you.
It’s essential to establish a healthy teacher-student relationship where the child does not fear their teacher but sees them as a mentor who wants them to succeed. The teacher plays a crucial role in your child’s life, just like you do at home. Teach your child to ask questions politely and at the right time, so they can clear up any confusion before it leads to academic struggles. You should also avoid acting as a middleman between your child and the teacher to promote independence and confidence in your child’s ability to manage their own affairs from a young age.
4. The Right to Express Their Feelings
Encourage your child to express their feelings about any situation that happens at school. If they face bullying or feel uncomfortable, it’s important that they speak up. Expressing emotions is essential for maintaining a child's mental health, and regular communication with you after school helps them deal with issues they may be facing. Let your child know that every school has rules, and while they may not agree with every rule, it’s important to respect the structure.
Make sure your child knows that they can express their emotions, but in a way that is respectful and doesn’t hurt others. Teach them not to resort to shouting, name-calling, or physical aggression when faced with difficulties. Instead, they should learn to manage their feelings wisely and handle conflicts with calmness and respect for others. When they respect others’ feelings, they are more likely to be respected in return, creating a harmonious environment both at school and at home.
By fostering these principles in your child's school life, you help them grow into a confident, empathetic, and well-adjusted individual who can navigate the complexities of school and social life.
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