In this Article
Your little one is taking their first step into the world of education, and understandably, you will find yourself a little anxious. Like every other step of your child’s life, you play an integral role here, as the school will assess your child’s eligibility for admission based on your performance as well.
Common Parents’ Interview Questions and Answers for Kids’ Admission in School
Here are the most common questions used in the parents’ interview for school admission, with answers you could consider.
1. What Are Your Educational Qualifications?
This school interview question for parents is asked to assess how invested parents are in their child’s education. The school could also wish to see how you plan to use your educational background to nurture your child’s future.
2. Do You Live in a Nuclear or Joint Family?
Irrespective of what family setting you will raise your child in, it will not impede your child’s admission to the school, so do not worry. They are only curious to know what environment your child will be raised in, who will care for them if you are at work, or who may come to parent-teacher meetings in your place.
3. Do Both Parents’ Work?
This refers to the environment your child is raised in and how it contributes to their development. Who will help with their school work? If you have a transferable job, then your child should ideally study in CBSE board, as it is the most widely accepted and lets them adapt to other boards as well.
4. Have You Prepared Your Kid for School Work?
Give them indications on how quickly your child will adapt to the current grade level. Does he/she have any reading or numerical capabilities? What aptitude level is he/she at? Be honest at this point. After all, your child is here to learn and grow; they are not expected to arrive perfect.
5. How Far is Your Home From the School?
In case there is a medical problem or you are required to come to the school, they would like to learn how quickly you can arrive. The distance from your house to the school will also impact your child’s learning. If he/she have to travel a long distance, the little one could be too tired to perform well in school or have a happy home life.
6. Is Your Child Potty Trained?
This may seem like one of those strange questions asked to parents in school interview. However, it is important to teachers, as they will play caretaker and need to know whom to keep an eye on or help with training. Does your child have a nervous bladder? Some children with special needs refuse to go to the toilet alone and will need particular training to help them progress out of this habit.
7. How Would You Describe Your Child’s Nature?
The school shapes children for the future and helps them adjust to their first time outside their comfort zone. How does your child cope with being separated from you? Does he/she react badly to strangers? Some children do not get along with other children, and the teacher must engage with them in a certain manner.
8. Why Did You Select This Particular School?
This will give them insight into what you intend for your child’s education and their future. Does it align with the school’s curriculum and approach to studies?
7. What Are the Child’s Eating Habits?
This is a common question if the school provides day time meals to children. Is your child a fussy eater or have any allergies? The school will care for hundreds of children and monitor their diets carefully. They may even assist your child in expanding his/her eating choices to healthier ones, if you face issues.
10. Have You Ever Punished Your Child? Why and How?
This would be to assess what your approach to discipline is and if it matches the school’s standing. Of course, as a parent, you are entitled to discipline your child a certain way and demand they do so differently. They will also gain insight into any disciplinary issues your child may have.
11. Is Your Child up to Date on Vaccinations?
Your child will be interacting with other children and could be exposed to germs or be the source, if un-vaccinated. Has your kid had any serious illnesses, as well? The teacher will keep an eye on any kids who must be monitored.
12. What Are Your Dreams And Intentions for Your Child’s Future?
Your answer will reveal how invested you are in your child and how much you expect from the school. They will also understand what defines your child’s behaviour, as he/she will mirror your behaviour and expectations.
13. What is Your Home Life and Marriage Like?
While this may seem invasive and none of the school’s business, it is key to learn what environment your child is being raised in. It defines this little person. Is there a lot of unrest, and if so, do you expose your child to it? Let’s face it, divorce is common and fights amongst couples are common. The teacher would like to know how to help them cope with stress or why they behaving in a certain manner.
14. What are Your Views on Homework?
Some new-age schools have done away with homework, while others have more application-based, practical work, and still, others have a traditional pen and paper approach. Here, you must voice your expectations of the school and let them know if your views align with their approach.
15. What Do You Believe is Your Role in Your Child’s Education?
Some parents want to be with their children every step of the way, while others are the opposite. A combination of the two are fine, but the teachers would like to learn who will influence the child’s education on the home front, and how you will do so.
Tips on Acing the Interview
1. Stay True to Yourself
Just be yourself during the interview, rather than pretending, just for the sake of getting in. The school will eventually find out the truth, which could prove to be embarrassing. Whoever you are, you’re good enough.
2. Don’t Interrupt the Interviewer
Let the interviewer or admissions director complete what they’re saying. Listening, allows you to understand the vibe of the school and if its what you’re looking for. Moreover, interrupting your interviewer makes a bad impressions.
3. Don’t Answer Questions for Your Child
Let your child answer any questions directed at him/her. This shows that children are independent and confident enough to stand by themselves.
4. Avoid Bringing Up Ethnicity
Unless asked, do not mention ethnicity or religious views. It can be a soft topic for many, and the school won’t want children who mirror what their parents say, at home.
5. Ask the Right Questions
Many parents may ask numerous questions to impress the interviewer, but this can backfire. Ask relevant questions you are genuinely curious about.
Approach the entire experience like you would for a job interview – with excitement and plenty of planning. It’s only one small step forward in your child’s education, so do not fret, as there’s plenty of time for them to grow and become responsible and intelligent people. Plan the interview with your partner and use as this as a chance to explore each other’s views and approach to education and your child’s development, in particular. Good luck!
