Preparing your child for boarding school

I became a “Boarder” on my 7 birthday. Of course, I was excited, I had so many new items, plus I was finally going to be rid of my pesky brother and annoying little sister.

The first few days were cool. Until the days became weeks, and week’s months, it dawned on me then, that this idea was here to stay and I couldn’t make it go away. I missed home. I missed my room, my mother’s cooking, and my pesky brother and annoying little sister, I even missed the dogs.

It took sometime but I later adjusted. My big sister wasn’t that fortunate. She has horrific tales to tell of her boarding experience ( we were in the same school, by the way) and it so affected her that she didn’t allow any of her children attend boarding school. At this juncture, I should say this NOT EVERY CHILD IS SUITABLE FOR THE BOARDING EXPERIENCE.

This means while considering the options before you, what is best for the child should be of primary importance! It also means this post is for those who have carefully weighed ALL options and have selected the boarding experience for their Wards.

I cannot forget the day I dropped my daughter off at boarding school. It was like a part of my heart had been ripped out, I cried till I fell ill, I missed her and I wanted her back in the house. I tried all I could, but the decision was made that she stay back. Looking back, I realize that I didn’t consider her but rather the effect on my emotions , which I felt was of primary importance. If this is your ward’s first time away, you need to prepare yourself as much as you prepare him/her.

Psychologically, change can be an inconvenience; this is a new place, with new people. Adjustment is expected to be gradual and may be turbulent. An average boarding Institution should have a strong counseling and pastoral team, which will help ease your Ward gradually into the system.

But despite this, there are some preparations that are better made or at least, initiated by the parent or someone well known to the child. These include discussions on attitudes, habits, morals and values.

Auntybspeaks.com gud to talk