UNICEF’s 8 Genius Tips to Make Your Child LOVE School – No More Tears!
Okay, let’s be real—getting your kid excited about school isn’t always easy. I remember my niece clinging to her mom’s leg on the first day, tears streaming down her face. Heartbreaking, right? But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be that way. UNICEF—yeah, the folks who know a thing or two about kids—has some seriously smart tips to turn those school-day jitters into genuine excitement. And trust me, they work.
1. Create a Positive School Mindset
Talk About School Like It’s Disneyland
Kids pick up on your vibe. If you’re all, “Ugh, school starts next week,” guess what? They’ll dread it too. But say something like, “You’re gonna meet so many cool kids!” or “Remember how I told you about painting in school? You’ll get to do that!”—suddenly, it’s an adventure. My friend’s kid now thinks his teacher is a superhero because his dad kept saying, “She knows EVERYTHING.” Works like magic.
Scout the Territory First
Imagine being dropped into a new city with no map. Terrifying, huh? That’s how kids feel about school. So take them there early. Let them play on the swings, meet their teacher (bonus if the teacher smiles a lot), and maybe even spot where the bathrooms are. Familiarity = zero panic.
2. Routine is Your New Best Friend
Pretend School Starts Tomorrow
About a week before D-Day, start the whole drill—early bedtime, morning alarms, even packing a lunchbox with their favorite snacks. My cousin did this, and by day three, her son was waking her up saying, “Mom, we can’t be late for pretend school!” Kids love pretending, so use that.
Sneak Learning into Everyday Stuff
Counting grapes at breakfast? That’s math. Singing the alphabet while washing hands? Reading prep. The trick is to make it feel like play, not work. Because let’s face it—no kid ever said, “Yay, homework!”
3. Friends Make Everything Better
Find Their Future Squad
One mom in my apartment complex did this genius thing—she got the class list from the school and set up mini playdates. By day one, her daughter had three buddies. No tears, just high-fives. If your school doesn’t share names, just hit up the playground near pickup time. You’ll spot the same faces.
Practice the Basics
Role-play how to say, “Can I play too?” or share crayons. Pro tip: Use their toys to act it out. My nephew’s teddy bears have had more “school days” than most college students.
4. If It’s Fun, They’ll Want More
Turn Everything into a Game
Alphabet cookies? Edible education. A toy cash register? Instant math class. Kids learn best when they don’t realize they’re learning. My aunt used to hide letters in sand—her kids thought it was a treasure hunt. Joke’s on them; they were reading by age four.
Praise the Try, Not Just the Win
Instead of “Great job on that A!”, try “Wow, you practiced so hard!” It’s like giving them a superpower—they start believing effort matters more than perfection. And honestly? That’s a life skill right there.
5. Goodbyes Don’t Have to Be Tragic
Start Small
Leave them with grandma for 20 minutes while you “run an errand.” Then an hour. It’s like training wheels for independence. By the time school starts, they’ll be like, “Bye, Mom!”—no waterworks.
Invent a Silly Ritual
Maybe it’s a secret handshake or blowing kisses until you’re out of sight. My neighbor’s kid insists on “Eskimo kisses” before school—it’s their thing. And it works.
6. Bring a Piece of Home
Let Them Pack a Comfort Item
A tiny stuffed animal in their backpack or your photo in their pocket—it’s like carrying a security blanket. Just check with the teacher first. Some classrooms have a “no toys” rule, but most get it.
Labels = Pride
There’s something about seeing their name on a lunchbox that makes kids feel grown-up. Plus, you won’t lose another jacket to the mysterious school abyss.
7. Teachers Are Your Allies
Give Them the Inside Scoop
If your kid hates loud noises or needs five minutes alone after lunch, tell the teacher. They’re not mind readers. One kindergarten teacher told me she keeps a “quiet corner” just for kids who need a breather—but only if she knows.
Stay in the Loop
Read those school newsletters (yes, even the boring ones). Knowing there’s a puppet show next week gives you ammo: “Only three more sleeps till puppet day!” Instant excitement.
8. Patience Wins the Race
Some Kids Take Longer
My friend’s daughter cried every morning for a month. Then one day, she just… stopped. Now she runs into class. Kids adjust at their own pace—comparing them to others just stresses everyone out.
Celebrate Tiny Victories
Ate lunch without help? Drew a semi-circle? That’s huge! Stickers, extra bedtime stories—whatever floats their boat. Positive reinforcement is gold.
Bonus: Myths That Need to Die
Myth: “If they cry, they’re not ready.”
Truth: Crying is just their way of saying, “This is new and I’m scared.” It doesn’t mean they won’t love it later.
Myth: “Bad start = bad year.”
Truth: Kids are resilient. With the right support, most bounce back faster than we do.
Straight from the Experts
UNICEF’s big takeaway? Your attitude is contagious. If you’re chill and positive, your kid will mirror that. As child psychologist Dr. Maria Ruiz puts it, “A favorite toy or special goodbye ritual gives kids control in a world that feels too big.” And honestly? That makes so much sense.
Final Thought
Look, school isn’t just about ABCs and 123s—it’s where kids learn to navigate the world. With these tips, you’re not just prepping them for class; you’re building confidence that lasts way beyond the playground. Before you know it, you’ll be the one crying… because they’re growing up too fast.
Source: News18 Hindi – Nation
