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How your child develops at school
Reviewed by Dr Stuart Crisp, paediatric specialist registrar
Starting school is difficult for many children. The change from being in nursery to being in 'proper' school is a big one. It may be the first time your child has to manage without mum or dad. Meeting so many strange children may be seen as a threat rather than an opportunity.
How will school change my child?
Will my child be happy at school?
Other families aren't so lucky. Your child may encounter problems that you didn't expect. If your child's performance compares badly with other children, this can also cause problems.
Under these circumstances, a huge responsibility is placed on parents as well as teachers.
What are the likely problems?
Reading problems will make it more difficult to study other subjects as well. Your child may lose interest in schoolwork and feel stupid compared to others.
Or it may take more time and effort for your child to get results that other children seem to achieve relatively easily.
However, poor self-esteem and insecurity can affect your child regardless of his or her academic ability.
For example, if heavy requirements are put on a 'bright' child in the early school years, he or she may not be mature enough to cope.
All of the above can lead to symptoms of nervousness such as:
How can parents help?
Are there other issues my child may experience?
The likelihood of your child encountering such problems is small, but it's a good idea to talk over any concerns you may have with your child's teacher and if necessary your GP.
Fortunately, most children find that school is a time of exciting and happy challenges that they can cope with.
There's no easy answer to this: most parents will feel their child is in a calm and stable period if he or she is comfortable in school and gets on well with friends and teachers.
One of the most common problems is with reading. About 1 child in 10 has difficulties keeping up with the rest of the class in reading and spelling skills.
School years are a time of many demands and requirements. Some children may develop the first signs of nervous behaviour or physical problems, which may cause difficulties throughout their life.
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