Mateo just turned two last January but we’re hoping to enroll him in the youngest class of the school where we teach. The class often consists of children from 2.5 to 3.5 years old and Mateo would barely make it to the minimum age. However, since it’s better than staying at home with a yaya we’re trying to condition him for school.

Hence, I’ve been researching on how to prepare a child starting school for the first time. Below are some of the fruits of my research:

• Even before school starts, talk to your child about school. Make it sound as exciting and fun as possible.
• If possible, bring your child for a visit before the first day of school to make him comfortable with the surroundings.
• Stay with your child during the first day to show him that there’s nothing to be afraid of in school.
• Talk to your child and explain that mommies are not allowed to stay in anticipation of leaving him in school.
• Leave and don’t be swayed by his cries. Hesitation on the parent’s part will encourage his behavior.
• Tell him that his teacher will take care of him and all his needs.
• Assure him that you will come back for him when school is over.
• Don’t be late in picking up your child!

I know that especially with Mateo’s young age, he’ll have a bit of difficulty adjusting to school. Still, I’m hoping that he adjusts as quickly as possible so that school will be enjoyable for him.

First, when it comes to school, will bringing him this early affect his view of school? What concept of school would we build in Mateo if he sees so much of it even before he’s old enough to attend classes? Will this effectively take away the anticipation for the first day of school?

Second, since Mateo spends as much time with our co-teachers as we do, then there’s a huge possibility that he might just grow up treating them like regular aunties and uncles. How then will this affect his view of his teachers?

Third, because andrea and I are both teaching, we have no idea how Mateo will take to a household of educators. Is this going to make him like schooling more or would it push him to detest it? Also, on our part, when do we start being teachers to him instead of parents and when do we become parents instead of teachers? Will he be able to recognize the difference?

It seems like the more he grows, the more complicated parenting gets. And the fact that we’re teaching and children spend most of their waking time in school does not make things any easier.