深呼吸，想像此刻您和孩子走進一個滿是陌生面孔的房間，空氣中充滿了期待，而您的孩子已經緊張到要哭出來……
幼兒園面試一直是令家長和孩子們頭痛的問題。我本人是學校創辦人同時也是熱衷於教育事業的教育家，這種令人既焦慮又擔憂的時刻，我已親身經歷太多次。有太多家長詢問我孩子在面試時哭泣要如何處理，這確實足夠讓父母們焦頭爛額，不過別擔心，我會幫助大家，並同大家一起面對。
做烏龜：
當我面對同樣的窘境時，我想起了要用同理心去理解我兒子在面試時的感受。根據我們在Mighty Oaks教授的原則，這個時候我們可以「做烏龜」。首先，深呼吸，平復情緒。然後，設身處地地承認孩子們的情緒：「我知道你會緊張，害怕，因爲我們在一個新的地方，但媽媽/爸爸就在你身邊。」大多數學校都接受孩子在面試時因身處陌生環境，被陌生人詢問問題而緊張。您可以透過表現出同理心和鼓勵孩子給面試官留下好印象。
幼兒園面試補充提示：
向已入讀學生家長尋求幫助：他們的經驗可以幫助您深入瞭解學校文化，以便在面試時通過展示對學校價值觀的深入講解，讓面試官感受到您對該學校做足研究，且十分認同，以保證未來更順利的家校合作。
建立家校合作關係：在面試過程中您可强調十分願意與校方合作，並一起創造一個有利於孩子成長的培育環境。像Mighty Oaks這樣的學校就很重視家校合作，學校和家長們共同為社區繁榮做出了貢獻。
讓您的孩子熟悉學校：面試前一定找機會和孩子一起參觀學校或參加開放日。在Mighty Oaks我們提供校區探訪和親子班課程，讓孩子們有機會探索校區環境，熟悉老師，並同學校建立良好的聯係。透過營造一個溫馨舒適的環境，您可以減少焦慮，並將面試變成一次愉快的體驗。
優先考慮休息和營養：面試當天，確保孩子睡個好覺，以健康、營養的膳食開始新的一天。當孩子精力充沛，營養充足，才可能在面試中保持清醒、專注並展現自己最好的一面。讓我們從滿足孩子的基礎成長需求開始，全面關照孩子的發展。
保持理智和冷靜：孩子能夠充分感知和回應父母的情緒。當您充滿信心地接受面試，孩子自然會感覺輕鬆，並很興奮地當作去玩耍，結交新朋友。您平靜的言行能營造舒適的氛圍，有助於舒緩孩子的緊張。
作爲一個正在與孩子共同經歷面試的母親，我非常理解大家面臨的挑戰和焦慮。只要我們運用同理心、互相協作並做足準備，就能為孩子們順利開啟愉快的幼兒園之旅。請大家記得學校喜歡與自己有相同願景和支持校方工作的家長，因為這證明家長願意與學校共同助力孩子的發展，為孩子的未來奠定堅實的教育基礎。最後祝大家面試順利，願您的孩子擁有一個快樂又豐富的幼兒園之旅。
Take a deep breath and picture this: you and your child walk into a room filled with unfamiliar faces, the air buzzing with anticipation. Tears start to flow as your little one's anxiety takes hold...
Kindergarten interviews can stir up a whirlwind of emotions for both parents and their little ones. As a school founder and passionate early childhood educator, I've witnessed firsthand the anxieties and concerns that often accompany this milestone event. One of the most common questions I receive is how to navigate the situation when a child cries during an interview. It's a heart-wrenching moment for any parent, but fear not because I'm here to help you through it as we go through it together.
Do the Turtle:
As I ponder how I would handle my own son's tears and clinginess during an interview, I am reminded of the importance of embracing empathy and understanding. Drawing from the principles we teach at Mighty Oaks, we would "do the turtle." First, take a deep breath to calm yourself. Then, validate your child's emotions by acknowledging their feelings: "I know you're feeling nervous or scared because we're in a new place, but Mommy/Daddy is right here with you." Recognize that most schools expect children to be nervous in unfamiliar settings surrounded by strangers asking them questions. You can create a positive impression by being empathetic and supportive.
Additional Tips for Kindergarten Interviews:
Seek Insights from Enrolled Families: Their experiences can help you understand the school's culture so that during interviews, your demonstration of insider information will show you have done extensive research and are on board with the school's values. This alignment ensures a better fit for both families and the school, avoiding potential conflicts later on.
Establish a Parent-School Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of a collaborative relationship between parents and the school during the interview process. Communicate your willingness to work together as a team, creating a nurturing environment that supports your child's growth. Schools like Mighty Oaks value partnerships with parents as they contribute to building a thriving community.
Get Your Child Acquainted with the School: Seize the opportunity to visit the school or attend an open day with your child before the interview. At Mighty Oaks, we offer private tours and playgroup classes that let children explore the surroundings, meet teachers, and foster positive associations with the school. By creating a welcoming and comfortable environment, you can alleviate anxiety and transform the interview experience into an enjoyable one.
Prioritize Rest and Nutrition: On the day of the interview, ensure your child gets a peaceful night's sleep and starts the day with a wholesome, nourishing meal. An energized and well-nourished child is more likely to be alert, attentive, and showcase their best during the interview. By tending to their fundamental needs, you demonstrate your unwavering commitment to their overall well-being.
Maintain a Calm Demeanor: Children have a remarkable ability to sense and respond to their parents' emotions. When you approach the interview with confidence and excitement, your child will feel at ease and see it as an exciting opportunity to make new friends and play. By radiating a calm demeanor, you create a positive atmosphere that helps alleviate your child's anxiety and fosters a sense of comfort.
As a mother who is going through the kindergarten interview process with my own child, I intimately understand the challenges and anxieties that parents face. But by incorporating empathy, collaboration, and preparation, we successfully navigated the process and paved the way for a positive kindergarten experience. It's important to remember that schools highly value parents who demonstrate a supportive and engaged approach. This reflects their commitment to building a strong educational foundation for their child's future. Good luck with the interviews, and may your child's journey into kindergarten be a joyful and enriching experience.
