As a work-at-home dad, making the daily school run seem enjoyable for my daughter posed an interesting challenge.
Try as I might, coaxing her to get up and get ready for the day ended up being the ultimate trial of my patience.
Until, utilising aspects of my own personality and creativity, I devised a unique strategy that not only enticed her but also fostered a love for learning.
In sharing my experience, I hope to provide some ideas for other struggling parents out there.
Make Learning Fun: The Storytelling Technique
Creating an imaginative world linked to her studies drew my child to school like a moth to a light bulb!
Fairy tales about numbers, princesses learning new words, and dragons enjoying crafts were how we merged playtime and school topics.
Creating these intriguing narrative threads to associate with her various lessons instilled in her an eagerness for her daily kindergarten lessons.
Use Rewards, Not Bribes
Rewarding your child may sometimes seem like bribing, but it’s all about the approach.
Instead of offering sugar-coated incentives, I opted to reward her with educational and constructive benefits.
A favourite book before bedtime, additional playtime outdoors, or a special outing to the zoo were the gems she got excited about.
Rewards became another reason for her to look forward to attending kindergarten daily.
Foster Independence: Dress-Up Challenge
Encouraging independence is crucial at this stage of a child’s life.
Instead of rushing our morning routine, I introduced a ‘dress-up challenge’. We’d race to see who dressed up faster.
The mild competition encouraged her to wake up early, dress up quickly, and prepare for school.
*P.S. As she sleeps in her room, she will prepare before coming down for breakfast (which is a good sign).
Setting Up a Regular Routine
Setting a routine is not exclusive to adults. Even children find comfort and security in a set routine.
We established regular sleeping and waking times.
Do note the routine doesn’t have to be rigid, but a sense of predictability helps in reducing anxiety for your young one.
Celebration of Small Achievements
The joy derived from small achievements can be a driving force.
Each milestone, whether it be perfect attendance for a week or mastering a new skill, was a cause for celebration.
The anticipation of these little triumphs boosted my child’s daily enthusiasm for school.
A Little Empathy Goes A Long Way
Last but not least, understanding reaction and resistance is admirable.
Feeling valued and heard is intrinsically motivating.
Hence, sometimes, it’s not about distracting or convincing your child to go to school, it’s about understanding their reservations and addressing their fears.
By using precious time, creativity, and love, we can devise fool-proof plans that ignite an enthusiasm for learning in our little ones.
The result of implementing these tricks?
Now, my daughter excitedly anticipates the kindergarten bell ringing every day. Going to school has become less of a rigid routine and more of an adventure she wakes up to.
Remember, every child is different. However, these tricks worked for me and perhaps could be a starting point for you.
Good luck on your parenting adventure and don’t give up, my fellow parents!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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