Got a little one about to head off to ‘big school’ later this year?
Transitioning into primary school from creche is a huge milestone for kids and parents alike, and as parents, you might be feel eager to prep your child for what lies ahead. And sure, learning the alphabet and numbers and how to properly put on your own shoes are all handy skills to have for a child about to start big school.
But, says an expert – there is one other thing she actually recommends parents do to get their child ready for school – and it has nothing to do with books and shoelaces.
According to family therapist Dr Martha Deiros Collado, parents of children who will be going to school soon should be organising plenty of playdates for their little ones. Yes, playdates.
According to Deiros Collado, playdates might just be the most effective way to prepare children for school, and the reason, she says, actually makes all sorts of sense.
Playdates help with life-skills before starting school
The psychologist explains that children between the ages of four and six who play with other youngsters ‘regularly’ learn to practise skills such as turn-taking, empathy, patience, communication and problem-solving in a ‘natural and meaningful way’ – making them more ‘school-ready’.
Speaking to The Mirror, Deiros Collado explains her take on playdates and the importance she thinks they have ahead of starting school:
‘In the classroom, children need to share space, take turns and navigate bumps and conflicts with other children,’ she said.
‘Playdates give them the chance to begin building those skills before they start school – they are like impromptu mini life-skills workshops.’
The psychologist is also keen to remind parents that playdates don’t always need to go perfectly either, there are even lessons to be learned from kids having a little fight or disagreement:
‘Small disagreements, little moments of frustration and working things out together are all part of how children learn.’
Deiros Collado’s take on playdates and getting kids ready for ‘big school’ comes after the release of a new survey, where researchers followed 2,500 parents of three to seven-year-olds from the UK, USA and Australia, which revealed as many as 81 percent of parents arrange a playdate at least once a month.
Parents love playdates too
According to the survey, parents agree with Dr Deiros Collado’s view on the importance of playdates, especially when it comes to building confidence in kids.
When questioned about which activities contribute to a successful playdate, free outdoor play in a garden or park topped the list, with 77 percent of respondents identifying this as essential. Likewise, many parents (64 percent) admitted they are fans of simple crafts and drawing, while role play and imaginative games came third, with 53 percent of parents saying they see these are great activities for kids on a playdate.
‘Free play can be incredibly valuable for children,’ the psychologist explained.
‘It gives them the chance to imagine, negotiate, solve little problems and build confidence together, all in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.’
And as it turns out, it is not just children who benefit from playdates. According to the survey, which was commissioned by BBC Studios and conducted through OnePoll, many parents of young children have discovered playdates can also assist parents and other caretakers in establishing local support networks.
Nearly four in 10 reported playdates have enabled them to forge new friendships with other adults and as many as 36 percent stated they’ve had a positive impact on their social life.
So there you have it – not only are playdates a great way to prepare little ones for school – and life – but they are also a lifeline for parents looking to build community and make friends. That is what we call a win-win!
