The number one way that parents can prepare their their kids for school: survey

Playdates are the best way to prepare young children for school, according to an expert.Family psychologist Dr.Martha Deiros Collado says one of the most valuable things parents can do before September has nothing to do with reading or numbers — it’s arranging a playdate.Kids between the ages of four and six who play with other children “regularly” learn to practice things like turn‑taking, empathy, patience, communication and problem‑solving in a “natural and meaningful way” — making them more “school‑ready.”Dr.

Martha, who has teamed up with BBC Studios to support Bluey’s annual theme Playdates with Friends, said, “Playdates are the most important thing a parent can arrange to help a child get ready for school.“There is a wealth of science that shows children’s early play experiences with peers positively predict better social skills and peer acceptance in reception class or kindergarten.”The advice follows a poll of 2,500 parents of three to seven-year-olds from the UK, USA and Australia, which found 81 percent have a playdate once a month or more.A further 62 percent believe playdates help their child feel more confident around other children.For 39 percent of those polled, the most important part of a playdate is simply seeing their child have fun.Dr.Martha agrees; she believes the real value often lies beneath the surface.Through play, kids are learning how to take turns, communicate, cope when things do not go their way, and build confidence with other children before they start school, according to the expert.

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She said, “In the classroom, children need to share space, take turns and navigate bumps and conflicts with other children.“Playdates give them the chance to begin building those s...