"Then secondary school life begins and it does not seem at all like what anyone expected."
PSLE, the Everest of every primary school student’s life has been defeated, and you and your child are relieved beyond measure. Then secondary school life begins and it does not seem at all like what anyone expected. Double the subjects and triple the work needed to stay on track? CCAs with auditions, seniors who all know what they are doing and teachers who seem to talk too fast. Read on to find out how to detangle, and demystify your child’s new path.
Configure a New Routine
There are more subjects to handle coupled with CCA. The psychological impact of being in a new environment, trying to mingle, fit in and make friends also has to be taken into account. Routines will thus become extremely important in helping your child cope with the added stress. Going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday and specifying what ought to be scheduled after school hours – including time for lunch, rest and play – will make all the difference. Allow your child to have a say in this timetabling as well, and make sure that it is neither too stringent nor too relaxing.
Implement Habits of Mind
Habits of Mind are dispositions that are mindfully employed by characteristically intelligent, successful people when they are confronted with problems. When we draw upon these mental resources, the results are more powerful, of higher quality, and of greater significance than if we fail to employ those habits. ‘Finding humour’ will help you to relax and take on stresses with some ease. Metacognition or ‘Thinking about your Thinking’ will aid you and your child to be more aware of the way you think and the reasons for why you arrive at a certain conclusion. Try some of them out yourself before introducing them to your child!
Give Your Child a Head Start
Ensure that both you and your child have a nice, relaxing break after PSLE. If you are nervous about some of the new subjects and demands that will arise in Secondary 1 however, find some fun, engaging holiday classes with preparatory lessons for the year ahead. This might assuage some anxiety, so long as it does not involve the stress of ‘mugging’ or a tutor who is obsessed with piling on holiday homework. Check out the classes offered at Curio: https://curio.sg/programmes/
Life in Secondary 1 will be daunting at first, and then the year will fly by and you will both settle into a new phase in your lives. Enjoy the journey!
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