Sending your child to boarding school? Don’t make these common mistakes

Boarding schools are now gaining traction and becoming one of the most preferred choices for many parents. However, sending a child off to boarding school is one of the biggest steps for both parents and children, often bringing mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness. Numerous questions and confusions pile up while making the decision. The good part is that parents have the ability to help their child feel confident and ready for this new chapter of their life. It is not a daunting task, yet they need to be very careful while explaining the pros. In an interview with the Times of India, Sasmita Mohanty, Director at Sanjay Ghodawat International School, shared, “It is very important for the parent to prepare their child for boarding school months in advance, not only with practical skills but by initiating open communication about what lies ahead. The key to a successful transition is to talk honestly about expectations, anxieties, how they feel and the opportunities boarding life can bring.”Boarding schools contribute to the overall development of children, from sports and curricular activities to academics. One of the best things a parent can give their child is the confidence to be independent. Start encouraging your child to take on responsibilities and this process begins at home.Make them aware of their social skills. By practicing this, they will be able to learn to live and do things away from family support as well. Bringing his expertise to the same, Naman Jain, Education Policy Expert and Vice Chairman at Silverline Prestige School, emphasized, “Although schools introduce children to various aspects of learning, parents play a key role in making the child understand the hardships that come in the way of learning. Choosing the right way to help your child learn about the plans to send them to boarding school is one of the major things to keep in mind. If you bombard them with the decision that you are going to boarding school in a week or in a few days, it may create a sense of anxiety in them. So, first make them feel comfortable and listen to their dilemmas or questions and answer them in a way that helps them understand why you have taken this decision.”These 5 key tips can help parents navigate the challenges while preparing their child for boarding school -As the academic year begins, take a tour of the school with your child. This will help them become familiar with the environment and the campus. Introduce your child to the teachers, counsellors, house parents and other staff. This will help them communicate easily and without hesitation. Do not miss this part, as exploring the boarding school is an important step for both children and parents. It will also give a sense of relief to the parents!Once the tour is complete, you should review the handbook and learn about the rules and regulations that a child must be aware of before going to boarding school. Dress codes, academic expectations, timings and routine should be made understandable to your child on a daily basis while preparing them. This will make it easier for them to adapt to the new routine and environment.Do not forget to discuss and communicate about the challenges and changes the child will go through, and know how they are feeling about this decision. Open communication is the key to a successful transition. Talk about the positives of starting a new chapter, such as making new friends, gaining independence, and participating in co-curricular activities they would love to indulge in. Help them understand how it is going to be one of the best experiences of their life and how it will shape their future. This will make them feel lighter and more confident.Do not make them feel detached or that you are separating them from you. Most kids may get the feeling that their parents do not love them enough, which is why they are being left alone with a group of strangers. Thus, it is imperative to make your child understand that you will stay connected and keep visiting them. Let them know that they are going to be safe under the guidance of mentors, teachers and other staff. Make them feel that it is not easy for you as well, but explain why you are doing so. Don’t make it look or sound like punishment!Homesickness is real. Parents should help their children deal with it. During the initial months of joining the boarding school, the child may feel homesick and this is where parents need to be understanding. Do not argue, scold or get angry. You must deal with the situation carefully and tell them that they are not alone. Make regular calls, even video chat, to stay connected. Ask them about their routine, what new things they have learned and how you are going to spend the holidays together. This will help you maintain a close bond and calm them.Boarding schools are increasingly popular and present parents with a significant decision. It is advisable to prepare children months in advance, through open communication about expectations and anxieties. Key tips include familiarising children with the school, explaining rules, fostering open dialogue, assuring continued connection and helping them manage homesickness for a smooth transition.