Sending your child to spend nights away is a very big deal for most parents. For others, the decision was made a long time ago. Sending your teenager to boarding school is a 'big picture' decision, where the benefits can positively shape the life of your child in more ways than one. Here are some points to help you in your decision making.
Before You fill in THE APplication Form
You need to visit the boarding school with your child. You have to be able to imagine your kid at all times of the day; in the classroom, on the sports field, in the cafeteria, doing homework in the rec room, hanging out on the grounds with friends, sleeping in the dorms. When you see all of this at work (and realize that they are chaperoned 90% of the time), it will definitely open your mind to what part it can play in building your child's personality and character.
Look for a school that matches your child's current and future interests. Apart from superior academics, any extra-curricular activities that will have a positive effect on the child's development will not only keep them out of trouble but will also further their communication skills with their peers and build confidence. At boarding school there are far more activities, programs and challenges to keep the students busy in comparison to what day scholars are offered.
ALL ABOUT YOUR CHILD
Think about your child's personal growth. One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is independence. In this case, it's more of a 'controlled freedom;' an environment where they will have to learn how to live, learn and communicate with other people. They will learn how to make important decisions on their own; a key step towards maturity.
They will have expert guidance and stronger connections with the faculty. Boarding schools often employ long-serving teachers who are permanently part of the school; role models that are available to discipline and support your child every step of the way.
Boarding schools are a great environment for meeting and befriending students from all backgrounds and cultures. They are full of bright kids on scholarship that may not necessarily be from the town or country that you live in. Friendships and memories made at school are some of the best your kid will ever make.
Considering the great experience your teen will have, they will also most certainly be much better prepared for university. Learning how to be independent in this controlled environment will allow your child to be able to make guided decisions on what they really want to do with the rest of their lives. And they will be mature enough to tackle college life or indeed, a job, with much better idea of how the world works.
Don't Panic
Don't worry, you will get to see them as much as you like! Your baby is not gone until Christmas. Most parents opt to have their children return home on the weekends and of course, during school holidays. Psychological research has shown that the majority of Boarding schools students improve relationships with their parents. It may not work for every child, but it may work for you.