Are you a first-time boarding school parent? You might have many questions, along with a touch of nervousness and the excitement that your child will go to a new environment. It is crucial to make small shifts in your perspective to get accustomed to the idea that your child will be away from home for a long time and the boarding school staff will look after their needs. Furthermore, parents must be at ease to smoothen the transition because you must understand your child is equally nervous and excited. So, here are a few tips to make the journey hassle-free and prepare first-time boarding parents for one of the toughest transitions of their life.
First, Eliminate all the Misconceptions
When it comes to boarding schools, there’s no shortage of misconceptions. You might hear your friends talk about it or see exaggerations in movies and TV. Some of the biggest are discussed below so you can overcome these.
- Sending your child to a residential school makes you a bad parent
This is one of the biggest misconceptions regarding residential schools, and it cannot be further from the truth. Sending your child to a CBSE boarding school in Darjeeling does not make you a bad parent. It makes you a great parent because you are thinking about your child’s future.
Do not think that sending your child away means neglecting your responsibilities as a caretaker. A boarding school education will make your child self-dependent, responsible, and independent. It will foster skills and qualities your child could have never learned at home. In residential schools, children have the opportunity to grow and develop into individuals that are beyond the vision of their parents. They can have richer conversations with their roommates and other boarders, learn about different cultures, and even pick up a language.
Also, parents are not cut off from the life of their children. Parents can visit their child at the boarding school for events like theater productions, family weekends, etc. Parents can also keep in touch via phone calls or FaceTime.
- Boarding school students live without any adult supervision
Another misconception that doesn’t hold any truth. Residential schools are constantly under CCTV surveillance, and there are wardens, matrons, and other staff members willing to take care of the needs of the boarders. The students are never alone and always have an adult to count on when there are emergencies, or they need help with something. There are also teachers living on the campus, and students can reach out to them to clarify doubts or request assistance completing assignments.
Furthermore, students have to abide by strict dormitory regulations and rules. They cannot break those rules, and this teaches them discipline. Wardens supervise the dormitories to ensure the safety of students.
Second, Preparation Tips for Sending your Child to a Boarding School
After getting rid of the misconceptions, it is time to pack the bags, load the car, and head to the boarding school. Here are some things you can do to simplify the transition process and get used to the idea that your child is going to the best boarding school in Siliguri. Keep scrolling to learn more.
- Help your child pack the bag for residential school
Packing your child’s back for residential school does not have to be a daunting task. It would be best if you planned the things your child will need in advance. It is a decision you need to take together. You must ensure your child has everything they will require for a smooth and comfortable stay at the boarding school hostel.
Also, you must go through the school’s website or speak to the academic counselor to understand the things your child must bring to the campus. If any items cannot be transported, you can purchase them after arriving at the campus. Furthermore, don’t forget to pack cherished and adored items like pictures and posters that will make your child feel comfortable in the new environment.
- Encourage your child to be independent
You can help your child prepare for boarding school by encouraging them to be independent. It will teach them how to care for themselves without relying on anybody. You can also pass some of the responsibilities on to your child when they are home and let them handle certain tasks. You must also encourage them to wake up in the morning, wash and fold their clothes, pack their packs, and maybe also do their grocery shopping. You can ask for their opinions and views on mundane everyday things to understand if they can handle different situations. You can also create problematic situations to see if they can find the solution without turning to you for help.
All of this will significantly improve your child’s confidence even before they have arrived on campus.
- Visit the campus with your child
The transition can be made easier for both the student and parents is a visit to the boarding school campus. It would be best if you made it a point to visit the campus as a family so that all of you can get comfortable with the idea of your child staying away from home. It will establish a sense of familiarity that will ease their uncertainties. You must also check out all the facilities and interact with the faculty to ensure your child will be in good hands. When you know this, you can confidently send your child away and not experience pangs of anxiety.
The Bottom Line
The boarding school transition is overwhelming for students and parents. It is important to show confidence and happiness if you want your child to settle in the new environment comfortably. If you are a first-time boarding school parent, these tips should help you get a hold of your emotions and send your child away with a smile on your face.
So, keep the tips in mind when sending your child to a residential school and the journey should be smooth.