The period for enrolling preschoolers in elementary school is approaching, and many parents wonder, “How will my child manage in a new environment with a backpack full of new responsibilities?”
If you find yourself asking this, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on what your child can currently do, what skills they have developed, and how they emotionally perceive the world around them. By exploring these questions, you can also gain a clearer understanding of what matters the most to you as a parent in raising your child, and whether you might further nurture some of your child’s potential in the coming months.

Starting school is often associated with the question of whether the child has enough “preparatory” knowledge—whether they have grasped basic concepts, early writing, and numbers. From my experience and conversations with parents, I often hear that this question is not the main concern; many believe children will learn all of that at school, that preschool should be about playing, and that there will be time to focus on academics later.

Therefore, the child’s life and development during preschool and beyond should not be seen merely as preparation for school. This period is valuable in its own right, not just a stepping stone toward future years and good grades. However, it’s also important not to neglect a child’s developmental needs by assuming play is their only requirement. Children have a natural need to learn, discover, and explore.

Here, I want to emphasize an important question: Does your child enjoy learning? What is your child’s—and your own—attitude toward learning? When I say learning, I don’t just mean sitting down and writing in a notebook. Does your child like to observe, wonder, ask questions, think things through, and solve problems? Children learn best through relationships with others and by observing, listening, touching, and exploring with their whole bodies. Surround your child with a positive attitude toward school and learning. It’s not only about whether your child knows their letters but also how they will respond to challenges. Will they stay motivated to learn, or will they come to see learning as boring and difficult?

A child’s development is not a collection of isolated traits but a connected system. For example, your child’s attitude toward learning depends on how they handle challenges, their self-confidence, whether they are protected or overprotected in difficult situations, their independence, and more. These are aspects you can observe and influence in your parenting. These factors will shape how well your child adjusts to first grade—not just whether they memorize a poem on time or receive praise on a worksheet.

When considering social integration, ask yourself: Does your child have friends? How comfortable are they with people outside their immediate family circle? Also, support your child in building healthy relationships—help them regulate their emotions, understand others’ feelings, accept others’ needs while managing their own, resolve conflicts through communication, take responsibility for their decisions, and more.

These are vital considerations not only for school readiness but also for your child’s overall well-being. Good preparation for school involves nurturing the whole child and their full potential—not just cognitive skills. Think about who your best partners can be on this journey—friends, institutions, programs, organizations—and involve them in supporting your child’s growth.