Health in Your Hands - A Toolkit for Primary One Students to Adapt to Challenges and Support
Text: Mr. Chan Man Chun, Social Worker at the St. James' Settlement Wan Chai Integrated Family Service Centre
Starting primary school is an important moment in a child's development, marking their transition from early childhood to school age. However, this adjustment period often comes with physical and emotional challenges. If parents can understand this early and provide appropriate support, it will help their children adapt smoothly to the new environment and lay a solid foundation for the future.
After starting primary school, children need to adapt to a new learning environment, daily routines, and life rhythms. If they lack appropriate guidance and support, they may experience emotional distress and behavioural issues, such as reluctance to get up in the morning, refusal to wear school uniforms, frequent temper tantrums, unwillingness to enter the classroom, and not participating in activities. Additionally, classroom rules, interpersonal interactions, and academic demands may also trigger anxiety and stress.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), school-aged children should engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day, but in reality, many children do not meet this target. With longer school hours, outdoor activities have also decreased, which may lead to a decline in children's physical fitness and an inability to maintain attention.
Parents can refer to the following tips to help their children adapt to the new learning environment:
psychological support
(1) Through a stable morning farewell ritual, such as hugs or encouraging words, allow children to feel the support and trust of their parents.
(2) Understand the interesting experiences your child has at school and encourage them to look forward to campus life, such as fun classroom activities or happy times spent with friends.
(3) Guide children to express their feelings. When they show signs of anxiety or unease, offer understanding and comfort, without blaming or dismissing their emotions.
Physiological support
(1) Ensuring that children get 9 to 11 hours of adequate sleep each night helps to improve concentration and promote physical recovery.
(2) Provide a balanced diet, such as a breakfast rich in protein, fibre, and vitamins, which helps maintain stable energy and emotional states.
(3) Participating in outdoor activities with children, or arranging after-school sports interest classes, helps to improve physical fitness, enhance mental resilience, and better cope with challenges under pressure.
A healthy mental and physical state helps children face challenges more calmly, while parental companionship can alleviate children's stress, allowing them to thrive on their learning journey.
