The new school year is around the corner. This means you’re probably enjoying the last few weeks of summer vacation, starting back-to-school shopping, and anticipating the new school year. You may be wondering who your child’s new teacher will be (we all know the teacher/child connection makes a big impact on the year), how they will manage their schoolwork load, and whether they’ll be placed in the same class as their best friend. One thing you may lose sight of (unless they clearly express it) is your child’s level of anxiety before school starts.
The start of the school year brings enthusiasm. A new class, friends and experiences are all exciting. Many kids can’t wait to try every activity introduced by teachers and peers. So, should you let your child try it all, or is it better to encourage them to stick with one or two areas they already enjoy?
It can be tempting to let your child try every new activity. After all, childhood is the best time to explore and grow – and there’s no way for them to discover a passion without trying many things. On the other hand, too much diversification can make it difficult for a child to immerse themselves fully in a new experience and it can become confusing and stressful for them.
“Mom, I’m just not smart like the other kids.”
As a parent, hearing this statement could be your worst nightmare. Perhaps your nightmare is your child coming home from school with an increased level of frustration – homework time takes forever, the list of assignments and unfinished lessons continues to accumulate, and your child’s self-esteem appears to be dropping like a stone. Your concern is mounting, and you ask yourself, “what is a parent to do?”
Whether your home is bilingual or not, enrolling your children in a French Immersion program is an option readily available in Calgary. When considering this option for your children, you are making a conscious choice for their future and are likely weighing the pros and cons.
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