Considering sending children to hostels? Are you worried if boarding school is right for your child?
Continue reading to find answers to all your questions.
Hostel life refers to a living arrangement in which a group of people, usually students or employees, live together in a shared accommodation facility. It is a common practice in many countries for students to live in hostels while attending schools or universities away from home. In this living arrangement, the students usually have their own rooms and share common spaces such as kitchens, bathrooms, and lounges.
Sending a child to a hostel can have both advantages and disadvantages. One of the main benefits is that it provides children with an opportunity to become more independent and responsible. They learn how to manage their own time, organize their schedules, and take care of themselves without the constant supervision of their parents. Additionally, living in a hostel can expose children to a diverse range of people from different backgrounds and cultures, which can broaden their perspectives and help them develop social skills.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to sending a child to a hostel. For example, the lack of parental supervision can lead to children engaging in risky behavior or falling behind in their studies. Hostel life can also be challenging for children who are not used to living away from home, as they may experience feelings of homesickness, loneliness, or anxiety.
This blog post will explore the pros and cons of sending children to hostels, and provide guidance for parents on how to make an informed decision based on their child’s individual needs and circumstances.
Pros of Sending Children to Hostels
1. Independence and Responsibility
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Developing Self-reliance and Time Management Skills
Hostel life requires children to be more self-reliant and independent, as they are responsible for their own daily routines, such as managing their time, doing their own laundry, and cooking their own meals. This helps them develop time management skills, which can be beneficial later in life when they enter college or start a job. It also helps them learn how to handle challenges and solve problems on their own.
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Learning to Live with a Diverse Group of People
Hostel life also provides an opportunity for children to live with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and communities. This exposure to diversity can broaden their perspectives, help them develop tolerance and empathy, and prepare them for a globalized world. They can also learn to collaborate and work in teams, as they will need to share living spaces and resources with other hostel mates.
Studies have shown that hostel life can have a positive impact on children’s personal and academic growth. A study published in the Journal of Educational Research and Extension found that hostel students have higher levels of self-esteem, self-confidence, and social skills compared to non-hostel students. They were also found to have better academic performance, as they were more disciplined and focused.
2. Quality Education and Extracurricular Activities
Sending children to a hostel can offer various educational and extracurricular opportunities that may not be available in their hometown or at day schools. Hostel life allows students to fully immerse themselves in academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, without the distractions and interruptions of day-to-day life.
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More Focused and Concentrated Environment
One of the main benefits of hostel life is access to a more focused and concentrated academic environment. With fewer distractions, students can concentrate better on their studies and have more time to work on projects and assignments. This focused environment can lead to better academic performance and success.
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Access to Wide Range of Sports and Extracurricular Activities
Hostels often provide a wider range of extracurricular activities, sports facilities, and resources for students. This is because hostels are equipped with a variety of amenities such as libraries, sports grounds, gyms, and other recreational facilities. Hostels can offer various sports and activities that may not be available in the students’ hometowns or at their day schools. These activities can help students to develop new skills, cultivate interests, and make new friends. The wide range of activities and facilities available at hostels can help to develop students’ social, physical, and mental abilities.
For example, many hostels offer opportunities for students to participate in sports such as basketball, soccer, cricket, and swimming. These activities not only help to improve their physical health but also teach them valuable life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Moreover, hostels often organize cultural events and festivals, which provide students with opportunities to learn about different cultures and traditions. These events also help to develop social skills and expand students’ knowledge of the world.
3. Exposure to New Culture and Ideas
Sending children to hostels provides an opportunity to expose them to new cultures and ideas, which can be a valuable learning experience. Hostels usually have students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, providing an opportunity for children to learn new languages and make friends from different parts of the country or even the world.
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Learning New Languages and Making New Friends
Learning a new language can be an exciting experience for children. Hostels often have students from different linguistic backgrounds, providing an opportunity for children to pick up new languages. Exposure to different languages at a young age has several cognitive benefits. It enhances cognitive flexibility, improves memory, and develops better problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it is easier for children to learn a new language when they are young, and learning a second or third language can boost their future career prospects.
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Exposure to Different Cultures and Traditions
Another benefit of hostel life is exposure to different cultures and traditions. Children living in hostels have the opportunity to learn about different cultures, customs, and traditions, which can broaden their perspective and help them develop tolerance towards diversity. This exposure can also help them appreciate the uniqueness of different cultures and learn to celebrate differences. Children who have exposure to diverse cultures at a young age are more likely to be open-minded and accepting of others.
A study conducted by the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom found that children who had experienced diverse cultural exposure, such as living in a hostel or traveling extensively, were more likely to develop creativity and critical thinking skills. Such exposure promotes cognitive flexibility and helps children view situations from multiple perspectives. Children exposed to different cultures and ideas are more likely to be creative and innovative in their thinking, which can lead to better problem-solving skills and higher academic achievement.
Cons of Sending Children to Hostels
1. Homesickness and Emotional Stress
One of the major cons of sending children to hostels is the potential emotional stress and homesickness that they may experience. Being away from home and family can be a difficult transition for some children, especially if they have never been away from home for extended periods of time. This can lead to feelings of homesickness and emotional distress.
According to a study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, homesickness is a common experience for children who are sent to hostels. The study found that approximately 85% of children who were sent to hostels experienced homesickness. The study also found that homesickness can have negative effects on a child’s emotional well-being, including anxiety, depression, and a decrease in overall life satisfaction.
Separation anxiety is another common issue that children may face when sent to hostels. Separation anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that occurs when a child is separated from their primary caregiver, which in this case is often their parents. Symptoms of separation anxiety can include excessive crying or clinginess, refusal to go to school or participate in activities, and physical complaints such as stomach aches or headaches.
Coping strategy
To help children cope with homesickness and separation anxiety, it is important for parents and caregivers to provide emotional support and reassurance. This can include regular phone calls or video chats, sending care packages, and encouraging the child to participate in activities and make new friends. It is also important for parents and caregivers to be understanding and patient during the adjustment period, as it may take some time for the child to feel comfortable in their new environment.
2. Safety and Security Concerns
One of the major concerns associated with sending children to hostels is the safety and security of the child. Hostels can be susceptible to physical safety and security issues such as theft, bullying, and harassment. Studies have shown that children in hostels are more vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse, as well as substance abuse due to peer pressure.
In addition to physical safety concerns, there is also the potential for mental and emotional abuse by teachers and staff. This can occur in the form of verbal abuse, neglect, or harsh punishment, and can have lasting effects on a child’s mental health and emotional well-being.
Coping strategy
It is important for parents to research and carefully choose a reputable hostel with a strong track record of safety and security. This can include looking for hostels with a high staff-to-student ratio, strict rules and policies, and a clear reporting system for any incidents that may occur.
Parents should also educate their child on how to stay safe and protect themselves in hostel settings. This can include teaching them to be aware of their surroundings, to avoid walking alone at night, and to speak up if they feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
3. Lack of Family Support and Bonding
When sending children to hostels, one of the major cons is the lack of family support and bonding. Children who live in hostels may miss out on the opportunity to interact with their family members on a daily basis, which can lead to a sense of detachment and loneliness.
Research has shown that children who are separated from their families are more likely to experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. A study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that children living in hostels had a higher incidence of depression compared to those living at home. Another study published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that college students who were separated from their families experienced higher levels of loneliness and lower levels of social support.
Furthermore, children who live in hostels may miss important family occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and festivals. These events are crucial for building strong family bonds and maintaining a sense of belonging. Missing out on these events can cause children to feel left out and disconnected from their families.
Coping strategy
To address this issue, parents can make an effort to maintain regular contact with their children living in hostels. This can be done through phone calls, video chats, and visits. Parents can also involve their children in family activities and events whenever possible. For example, if the family is celebrating a festival, parents can send care packages with traditional foods and gifts to their children in the hostel.
Hostels can also organize family visits and events to promote bonding between students and their families. This can include family day celebrations or parent-teacher conferences where parents can meet with the hostel staff and discuss their child’s progress.
Tips for Parents on Preparing Children for Hostel Life
Sending a child to a hostel can be a challenging decision for parents. It involves letting go of their child and trusting the hostel authorities with their care and well-being. However, with the right preparation and support, parents can help their child adjust to hostel life smoothly. Here are some tips for parents on preparing their children for hostel life.
1. Communication and Emotional Support
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Encouraging Open and Honest Communication
Parents should encourage their children to communicate their feelings and experiences, both positive and negative, while staying at the hostel. This can help the child feel more comfortable and supported in the new environment.
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Providing Emotional Support and Encouragement
Parents should offer emotional support and encouragement to their child, especially during the initial phase of adjusting to hostel life. This can include regular phone calls, care packages, and visits.
2. Packing and Organization
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Ensuring the Child is Prepared with Necessary Supplies
Parents should ensure that their child has all the necessary supplies and equipment for hostel life, such as a study lamp, stationery, bedding, toiletries, and clothing appropriate for the climate.
Organizing and Labeling Belongings for Easy Identification
Parents can help their child stay organized and prevent the loss of belongings by labeling their child’s possessions clearly with their name and hostel room number.
3. Familiarizing with Hostel Rules and Regulations
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Understanding and Explaining Hostel Policies to the Child
Parents should familiarize themselves and their child with the hostel policies and rules, including curfews, study hours, and visiting hours. Parents should also explain the consequences of breaking the rules to their child.
- Helping the Child to Adhere to Hostel Rules and Regulations
Parents can support their child in adhering to the hostel rules and regulations by encouraging their child to be responsible and respectful towards hostel authorities and other residents.
4. Encouraging Independence and Responsibility
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Promoting Self-Reliance and Time Management Skills
Hostel life provides an opportunity for children to develop self-reliance and time management skills, which can be beneficial for their personal and academic growth. Parents can encourage their child to take responsibility for their studies, health, and daily routine.
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Supporting Participation in Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities in hostels can provide children with opportunities to explore new interests and talents. Parents can support their child’s participation in these activities and encourage them to pursue their passions.
5. Building Resilience and Coping Skills
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Preparing for Homesickness
Homesickness is a common challenge for children living in hostels. Parents can prepare their child for homesickness by discussing their feelings and providing coping strategies, such as writing letters to family members and staying engaged in activities.
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Addressing Safety Concerns
Parents should discuss safety concerns with their child and provide them with strategies for staying safe, such as avoiding isolated areas and reporting any suspicious behavior to the hostel authorities.
Conclusion: Sending Children to Hostels
In conclusion, sending a child to a hostel can have both advantages and disadvantages. While it can provide them with independence, responsibility, quality education, extracurricular activities, and exposure to new cultures, it can also lead to homesickness, safety concerns, and lack of family support. As a parent, it is important to weigh these pros and cons before making a decision. However, if you do decide to send your child to a hostel, there are several things you can do to prepare them for the experience. Encouraging open and honest communication, providing emotional support, ensuring they have necessary supplies, familiarizing them with hostel rules and regulations are just a few of the ways parents can help their child transition smoothly into hostel life. Remember, parents play a crucial role in preparing their children for the hostel experience, and it is important to be supportive, understanding, and communicative throughout the process.
