Tips to help your child transition from primary school to high school
An Interview with Psychologist Naomi Terpsis
All teachers, parents and caregivers want children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally however; when a child is 'transitioning’ from one year to another all these various aspects of a child’s life can be affected.
Any transition experienced at school may increase the anxiety of both children and parents however, the transition from primary to high school can definitely be perceived as the most daunting and significant. Moving from primary to high school life involves needing to adapt from being the eldest child in a school to now being the youngest, managing timetables and numerous subject teachers versus a year teacher as well as, the need to establish new social groups.
Studies have shown, “poor adjustment to secondary school has been associated with disengagement and non-completion, which leads to a raft of other poor outcomes, such as limited employment opportunities” (Hanewald, 2013).
So how can we make the change from primary to high school to be less stressful and worrying for both parents and children?
In a recent interview with Naomi Terpsis a Psychologist at Clear Health Psychology, who has spent many years working as a School Psychologist shares some great practical tips on how best to handle the transition from primary to high school.
Naomi explains throughout the interview that it is important for parents and carers to be mindful not to draw upon their own experience of high school which may not have been positive as, a parent’s own fears and concerns from those years has the potential to be a negative influence and being aware when this may be occurring can be helpful. Naomi also expressed how important it is for kids to know that their parent or carer is on the ‘same team’ as the school. Also, it is vital for parents and carers to be a positive role model for change and demonstrate a sense of calm and help their kids be organised for school as, having a calm disposition and being organised are great life skills to assist in managing and adapting to change throughout one’s life.
In addition, parents can find out from the school what support & resources may be available to help their child transition from primary to high school & ensure they stay up to date with what is happening in the school community can all result in a smoother school transition.
Throughout the interview Naomi provides some great online references worth noting and to find out more about Naomi visit: https://clearhealthpsychology.com.au/practice-team/naomi-terpsis
Naomi Terpsis consults from Clear Health Psychology in Victoria Park.
The full interview can be listened to below or by searching MeditalkPodcast on your favourite podcast app.
References:
Hanewald, R. (2013). Transition between primary and secondary school: Why it is important and how it can be supported. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 38(1), 62-74.
https://growingupinaustralia.gov.au/publications/transition-secondary-school