{
    "success": true,
    "data": {
        "id": 1859565,
        "msgid": "children-need-support-to-adapt-to-new-school-environments-1784037283",
        "date": "2026-07-14 19:45:14",
        "title": "Children need support to adapt to new school environments",
        "author": "",
        "source": "ANTARA_ID",
        "tags": "",
        "topic": "Social Policy",
        "summary": "A child psychologist has emphasised the crucial role of parents and teachers in helping children adapt to new school settings, advocating for a gradual preparation process rather than last-minute adjustments. The advice aligns with the Education Ministry's plans for a welcoming and safe school orientation programme for the 2026\/2027 academic year.",
        "content": "<p>A child and adolescent psychologist has highlighted the importance of\nparental and teacher support in helping children adapt to a new school\nenvironment.<\/p>\n<p>Vera Itabiliana Hadiwidjojo, a psychologist practising at the\nUniversity of Indonesia\u2019s Institute of Applied Psychology, stated that\nchildren need consistent messages, responses, and treatment from both\nhome and school. She stressed that communication should be two-way,\nopen, and not only occur when problems arise.<\/p>\n<p>According to Vera, preparing a child for a new school environment\nshould be done gradually, not just the day before school starts. Parents\nshould help children readjust their sleep, wake-up, meal, and bath\nschedules at least a week before the school term begins. Children also\nneed to be familiarised with the school environment and the travel\nroute, and informed about what they need to prepare.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, children should be given a picture of daily school\nactivities and trained to dress themselves, pack their bags, use the\ntoilet, look after their belongings, and ask for help independently.<\/p>\n<p>Vera also advised parents to create a consistent farewell ritual\nafter dropping their children off at school. She cautioned against\nparents leaving without saying goodbye or prolonging the farewell.\n\u2018Create a short, warm, and consistent farewell ritual. Do not leave\nsecretly without saying goodbye, but also do not prolong the separation\nbecause you feel sorry or worried about the child,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n<p>She added that parents need to help children build mental resilience\nby giving them opportunities to overcome small difficulties on their\nown. Teachers, meanwhile, should create a welcoming and enjoyable school\norientation atmosphere. Vera explained that the orientation programme\nshould make children feel safe, accepted, and know where to seek help.\nShe suggested acknowledging children\u2019s feelings by saying, for example,\n\u2018You may feel scared, but you are not alone; there are teachers and\nfriends who will help you.\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Abdul Mu\u2019ti previously\nstated that the Friendly School Environment Introduction Period (MPLS)\nfor the 2026\/2027 academic year is designed to create a safe and\ncomfortable atmosphere in schools. He noted that the MPLS is implemented\nwith a joyful approach, ensuring everyone feels involved, safe, and\ncomfortable.<\/p>",
        "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/children-need-support-to-adapt-to-new-school-environments-1784037283",
        "image": ""
    },
    "sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
    "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}