For the last month we have heard from Beijing parents about their sons’ and daughters’ experiences coming to school for the first time. With the school year now in full swing, for our last blog of the series we speak with Hope International School (HIS) mom and Admissions Director Alicia Moody (US) as well as fellow parent Favour Ibom (Nigeria) about their daughter and sons’ adjustments coming to school for the first time.
Was your son or daughter scared to come to school?
Alicia: She had been prepped so she was really excited! She did not do summer school so was really eager to get back in school.
Favour: David was not scared. He was very excited to go to the school. He actually woke up early on the first day of school.
Who had a harder time saying goodbye, you or your child?
Alicia: Me. She loves opportunities to meet other people and to play. She likes the environment and structure school gives her.
Favour: It wasn’t hard for him to say goodbye as he was looking forward to it.
How did you prepare them for the first day?
Alicia: We had described the day to her and we chose clothes together, and took her to the school site. She was eager to meet her classmates!
Favour:We had a lot of discussions weeks ahead to prepare him about the new school and the school bus. We also prayed for him to adapt well to the new school.
Can you offer any advice to other parents about adjusting to a new school?
Alicia: A positive, loving environment truly makes the adjustment to a school easier. I couldn’t be happier that she likes her teacher and feels comfortable to be herself. It gives me peace of mind.
Photos: Courtesy of Hope International School
