adminNetilie Marozva Lifestyle Reporter
It is that time of the year again when schools are about to be back into full swing and parents are out to do some final last-minute shopping so that their children have everything they need to start off the year on a good note.
Many parents may be worried about their children starting a new school, changing schools or simply trying to fit in the academic circles with new uniforms.
This is the busiest time of the year since students who are starting Grade One, Form One and Lower Six will require new uniforms. Just like every other year, most local school wear shops like Bata, Bays and Enbee have been packed with parents doing last minute shopping.
Those with children starting Form One or going to a boarding school, the stress is even worse as they are required to buy a full set of new uniforms, food trunks, stationery and non-perishable food stuffs.
Unlike last year, the atmosphere is very calm as very few people are lining up in stationery and uniform shops. Most of them claim that they have failed to meet the requirements of their children as the items are very expensive while others say that they have not yet received their December salaries. Some of the shops have even offered credit facilities to buy the school uniforms.
Other parents have also resorted to buying uniforms from vendors outside the shops as they are cheaper than in most shops.
One of the parents, Mrs Chipunza said that since she has to buy uniforms for three of her children, she could not afford the prices being charged by school wear shops. “The prices being charged by these shops are really insane and for someone who has to buy uniforms for many people, I can only afford to buy from the vendors,” she said.
Where the vendors get the uniforms that they sell on low prices on the streets, no one knows.
While some parents are on the rush to shop for uniforms and stationery, others are not even going to be involved in the madness as they turn to their neighbours and friends whose children would have finished school or are no longer using them.
“There are a lot of things that need money right now and we cannot afford to buy new uniforms this term.
The least we can do is to buy old stuff from other people who are no longer using them.
Maybe we will buy new ones next term,” said Richard Gove from Kuwadzana who has a Form One child.School uniforms and stationery are not the only problems that parents have, but also the school fees.
We have seen many people queuing up in banks in a bid to withdraw money to pay school fees for their children before schools open next week.
If you find yourself caught up in the back to school rush and you do not know how to get through it, here are some tips that will guide you.
Five back to school tips for parents
1. Practice the first day of school routine: Getting into a sleep routine before the first week of school will aide in easing the shock of waking up early.
Organising things at home — backpack, binder, lunchbox or cafeteria money — will help make the first morning go smoothly.
Having healthy, yet child-friendly lunches will help keep them energised throughout the day. Also, walking through the building and visiting your child’s locker and classroom will help ease anxiety of the unknown.
2. Get to know your neighbours: If your child is starting a new school, walk around your block and get to know the neighbourhood children. Try and set up a play date, or, for an older child, find out where children in the neighbourhood might go to safely hang out, like the community pool, recreation center or park.
3. Talk to your child: Asking your children about their fears or worries about going back to school will help them share their burden. Inquire as to what they liked about their previous school or grade and see how those positives can be incorporated into their new experience.
4. Empathise with your children: Change can be difficult, but also exciting. Let your children know that you are aware of what they’re going through and that you will be there to help them in the process.
Nerves are normal, but highlight that not everything that is different is necessarily bad.
It is important to encourage your children to face their fears instead of falling in to the trap of encouraging avoidance.
5. Get involved and ask for help: Knowledge of the school and the community will better equip you to understand your child’s surroundings and the transition he or she is undergoing. Meeting members of your community and school will foster support for both you and your child.
If you feel the stress of the school year is too much for you and your child to handle on your own, seeking expert advice from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, will help you better manage and cope.
Online Reporter