The girl did not go to kindergarten. She sat with her mother, grandmother, or a nanny. At home, in a familiar environment. Now she has gone to school. What awaits her? Differences from peers who have gone through kindergarten will be. But not always bad. We tell about the pros, cons, and how to help your daughter adapt.

Pros: independence and attachment

Such girls are often more attached to their family. They value home comfort, respect their parents. They may be more persevering: there are many distracting factors in kindergarten, but fewer at home. Often better developed speech, because they spoke to them one-on-one (not to 20 children). They may be more creative, as they were not "pushed" into kindergarten activities.

They do not catch mass infections (measles, colds) — their immune system may be stronger.

Cons: socialization

The main drawback is the inability to communicate with other children. The girl may not know the rules: how to make friends, how to ask for a toy, how to yield. She may be afraid of other children (especially aggressive ones). She may be egocentric: she is used to getting all the attention. In kindergarten, children learn to negotiate, wait in line, lose. A home child does not know this.

Difficulties in the group: not understanding when to speak, when to be silent. May be a loner or, conversely, a leader.

Adaptation in school

The first half year or year will be difficult. The girl may cry in the morning, complain about animals, not want to go. This is normal. Parents need: to get acquainted with future classmates (on the playground). Play role-playing games "school", "store" where you need to communicate. Do not spare time for discussing school situations ("What would you do if..."). Praise for any attempts to make friends.

Important: do not pressure, do not demand "quickly make friends".

Speech and knowledge

Children who are home-raised often have better speech than those from kindergartens. But there may be problems with discipline: not used to sitting in class for 40 minutes, standing up when asked. Does not know how to raise a hand. Does not know how to wait for a break to talk. Parents need: to accustom to a routine (wake-up, lessons, sleep). Teach to listen to the teacher, not to interrupt. Patiently explain the rules.

If the girl does not know the letters — it's not scary, she will learn. Scary is if she cannot concentrate.

Self-esteem

Children often criticize each other, tease each other in kindergarten. A home child does not know this. His self-esteem may be unjustifiably high. When faced with criticism at school (a failing grade, teasing), it may collapse. Parents need: to praise for efforts, not for results. Explain that mistakes are normal. "No one can do everything at once". Do not shield from criticism completely, but discuss it.

Important: if the girl is teased, teach to respond: "It doesn't matter to me", "That's your opinion".

Emotional intelligence

Children learn to recognize others' emotions (smiling, crying, anger) in kindergarten. A home child may not understand why a classmate is angry. May be offended without a reason. May not know how to comfort a friend. Parents need: to discuss the feelings of characters from books, cartoons. Play "guess the emotion". Teach to name their own feelings: "I'm sad because...".

This will help make friends.

Not going to kindergarten is not a sentence. Many successful people did not go. The main thing is parental support. Help your daughter master social skills, do not pressure, be patient. And she will grow up confident, sociable, happy.

Permanent link to this publication: