Why should you let him choose his schoolbag?

Do you buy him A new school bag at the beginning of each school year ? If so, the ritual of Designation of the school accessory Number one is required. As a responsible adult, you have an idea of the future baggage of your young student. However, the latter has a completely different one! Divided between the desire to buy a bag to your liking and the desire to please him, you don't know what to do... After all Let your child choose his schoolbag can be a valuable opportunity to bring him to make decisions and express one's individuality. But should we really leave the decision of the school bag to the child ? If so, from what age? And above all, How to guide it so that he can do the Best choice ? We tell you everything in our article!

The importance of letting the child make decisions: an educational approach

The development of the child

Back to school is always an important step in a child's life. To offer him the opportunity to choose the main accessory that will accompany him every day of the year in his student journey is to contribute to his development. This is a mark of confidence in your schoolboy (or your schoolgirl) then asked to assert his tastes, style and needs through the choice of his school bag.

Learning to make decisions

Decision-making is part of a child's educational process. Giving him the choice of his future school bag is a way to give him a place in his environment. As a being in its own right, this "power" allows him to assert himself.

Because to choose is to grow. It is to put oneself in a position to analyze, to weigh the pros and cons. It is to make a thoughtful choice and suffer or enjoy its consequences.

Allowing him to opt for this or that binder is then an excellent opportunity to help him make assertive and assumed decisions. This educational approach strengthens his autonomy and self-confidence. It helps them develop their sense of responsibility.

The age to choose: a question of listening and trust between parents and children

When to let the child choose?

« As soon as the child begins to distinguish the objects, it is important to put choice in those that are shown to him. » Excerpt from Émile or education (1762) by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Well, as soon as possible! But it is around 2-3 years, at the age of entry into kindergarten, that the little being begins to affirm and to be able to explain his preferences. Moreover, you can see it on a daily basis:

• during an outing to the park where your child will prefer to swing rather than turnstile;
• during meals when he repels tomatoes in favor of pasta;
• Or when it comes to choosing between a blue or red T-shirt!

All these moments generate dialogue. Asking him questions is essential for him to learn to express himself on each of his decisions. This communication will boost their confidence and self-esteem. Thanks to it, he will get into the habit of thinking about each of his choices, measuring their importance and drawing positive and negative consequences. And therefore to take responsibility!

Listening and trust: a winning combo for everyone

The more you help them mature on a daily basis by building trust and mutual respect, the sooner your child will be able to make decisions. And what a pride for you, parents, to see that your little one (from kindergarten to primary) is quite capable of choosing the perfect school bag!

Trusting your child and respecting their choice can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Will he be able to opt (alone) for the right bag? Well, no! He needs you in his decision-making. Listening to his desires does not exempt him from accompanying him so that he makes the best possible choice. And this accompaniment presents one more opportunity to create a bond of complicity and exchange between you and him.

So, do we let him choose or not?

A guided choice: the right compromise between autonomy and supervision

The role of parents

Even if your young schoolchild remains at the center of the choice process, your role as a parent remains essential. Indeed, avoid leaving him alone master on board. That would be totally unconstructive. In addition, leaving him the choice between a dozen school bags can be scary for a child.

He loves the bag with the effigy of the cat ... Ah, but the one who represents his favorite cartoon hero is not bad either... Oh! too funny the Mario wheeled bag... But that was before he saw the Disney binder... He loves them all, He wants them all!

You must guide him and help him take into account some important criteria such as the size, comfort, durability, and safety of the schoolbag. Helping them ask the right questions to make the best choice is the role of parents!

How to guide without imposing?

The goal is to find a balance between respecting your choice and providing your sound advice. To do this, avoid exposing him to an exponential choice of school bags. Instead, offer a selection of binders that meet the important criteria. This school luggage will have been chosen upstream by you. Thus, you ensure that whatever its final choice, it will be appropriate.

Practicality, dimensions, models (Ring binder, backpack or on wheels...) : the preselection is carried out according to your personal criteria and those of the teachers (induced by the list of school supplies or recommendations of the school). Of course, do not forget to take into account the tastes of your schoolgirl during this step.

The school bag must become a faithful companion for your child, an accessory that he loves and represents in the eyes of his classmates. Avoid opting for two or three orange school bags while your daughter swears by pink. Worse, to choose accessories with the effigy of Transformers whereas Spiderman is the only superhero your boy loves! Your choice must therefore also be motivated by the tastes of your offspring.

Concretely, how to organize?

An easy procedure in 4 steps to make the best choice of schoolbag in a pleasant atmosphere

1. Preparedness: Getting informed is a priority

Before making any purchase of school accessories, inform yourself! Contact the school or teachers for a list of materials for the coming year and any restrictions in terms of luggage storage. Yes, some schools prohibit Roller bag. (The reason? They are full of stairs!)

Then, take two minutes to document the dimensions of the binders. It would be a shame to offer him a luggage too small or too big! On our website, The Toons Shop, we explain how to choose the right size of school bag according to its age, grade level and morphology. A real gold mine that parents love to consult every year!

> Is your child starting school for the first time? Discover our Tips for choosing the right kindergarten schoolbag!

2. Selection: do a first sorting alone before submitting it to your young student

Once you have taken into account all the essential criteria for the purchase of the schoolbag, it is time to establish a first sorting (without your child, we agree ...). Don't forget for this preselection of:

• consider the right size;
• check the strength of the luggage (quality of the fabric and seams);
• Choose bags that match your child's style tastes.
• Check if each binder fits into your budget;
• confirm that each accessory meets the options you want (reflective strips, adjustable shoulder straps, dedicated space for a water bottle, etc.);
• Stop your choice on 2 or 3 items maximum.

Then, introduce him to this selection of school bags. Let him visualize them, explore them and even touch or try them out if possible. He will be able to determine the one that suits him best in terms of comfort and style!

3. Decision: the moment of choice

After considering all the options comes the moment of decision. Encourage them to express their choice and reasons. This is an important step for his personal and emotional development. You do him the honor of letting him make a choice for himself. So, even if his choice does not correspond to your preference, respect it!

4. Validation: respect the child's decision

Once the choice is made, congratulate your child on their decision. It's a way to validate his choice and show him that you trust him. This will strengthen their self-esteem and sense of responsibility.

In conclusion, letting your child choose his schoolbag is an enriching experience, both for him and for you. It's an opportunity to learn how to make decisions, develop self-confidence, and strengthen your bond with him. Don't forget! The goal is not to choose the "best" schoolbag, but to determine the schoolbag that best suits your young student, according to his tastes and needs.

Discover all our school bags!

Sources:

• naitreetgrandir.com: Let him choose
• educatout.com: give the child choice as a method of intervention
• enfant.com: How to teach your child to make choices