Supernanny Jo Frost has issued a direct appeal to parents, warning that failing to teach children essential social skills before they return to school could "set them up to struggle big time." The parenting expert, 56, says many children find it hard to adjust in the classroom not because they lack ability, but because they haven't learned how to function alongside their peers.
Warning over 'special' mindset
In an Instagram plea to mums and dads, Frost said: "Parents, this is worth listening to. You know, your child is special to you. Of course they are. But if we start teaching them that they're more special than anyone else, that's where they're going to struggle."
She continued: "I say this because I see it. Can I ask you, do you teach your children how to lose a game? Do you teach them how to accept someone else's imaginary game at recess, even when it's not their idea?"
"Do you teach your child how to listen like every other child being asked to line up at school? Do you teach your child how to be sociable? Because these things don't just happen."
Struggling to adapt
Frost said she has witnessed children who find it tricky to adapt to the classroom environment, adding: "What I'm seeing is children struggling in school with others, not because they're not capable, but because they haven't been taught how to function alongside their own peers."
She said this includes learning "how to take turns, how to wait, how to not always be in control" — and stressed that while a child is special to their parents, "the moment we teach them without even realising that they are more special than anyone else, we're going to be setting them up to struggle big time, because school doesn't work like that."
Practical steps for parents
Frost advised parents to use everyday moments to show children they can't always get their own way, even if it causes tantrums. She suggested: "Board games – let them lose. Let them follow someone else's idea in real life, expect them to listen, to line up, to take turns."
"You guide it, you repeat it, you hold their expectation. Because that's how they learn and listen."
She concluded: "Loving your child deeply – that should be a given – but loving them doesn't mean removing the lessons they need because teaching them how to exist alongside others, that's what helps them feel more confident, feel more capable and truly secure them in the world around them."
