A Message to Parents During Haze Season

As parents, we want the best for our children, especially when environmental conditions may affect their health and daily activities. During haze season, it is natural for parents to feel concerned about their children's safety and well-being.

At times like this, our role as parents is not only to protect our children physically, but also to create a calm and reassuring environment for them. Children may not fully understand what is happening around them, but they can sense the concerns and emotions of the adults around them. Therefore, staying calm, informed, and positive can help children feel safe and secure.

1. Put Your Child's Well-Being First

During haze season, parents should pay close attention to their child's condition. If your child shows signs of discomfort, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, unusual tiredness, or irritation of the eyes, please take appropriate precautions and seek medical advice when necessary.

Parents can also help children stay comfortable by encouraging them to drink enough water, get sufficient rest, and limit unnecessary outdoor activities when the air quality is poor.

2. Teach Children Without Creating Fear

Children can learn simple lessons about taking care of themselves and their environment. Explain to them in an age-appropriate way that haze can make the air less healthy and that we need to take extra care of our bodies.

Instead of creating fear, we can teach children simple habits such as staying indoors when necessary, wearing appropriate protection when advised, washing their hands, drinking water, and following instructions from adults. This is also an opportunity to develop self-care, responsibility, and awareness, values that are closely connected to the Montessori approach.

3. Trust and Communicate with the School

During challenging environmental conditions, communication between parents and school becomes especially important.

Our teachers and school team will continue to monitor the situation and make appropriate adjustments when necessary. We encourage parents to stay informed through official school communication channels and to communicate with the school if their child has specific concerns or needs.

Rather than making decisions based on fear or information from unverified sources, let us work together and rely on accurate information and responsible guidance.

4. Maintain a Positive Routine at Home

Children benefit from consistency. Even when outdoor activities are limited, parents can provide meaningful activities at home.

Montessori-inspired activities such as reading books, practical life activities, drawing, puzzles, sorting objects, helping to prepare simple meals, or caring for plants can keep children engaged while developing independence and concentration.

A simple routine can help children feel that their daily life remains safe, meaningful, and enjoyable.

5. Remember That Children Learn From Us

One of the most powerful lessons we can give our children is through our own behavior.

When children see adults responding to difficult situations with patience, responsibility, cooperation, and care, they learn how to face challenges with confidence.

As parents and educators, we have the opportunity to show children that taking care of ourselves, caring for others, and caring for our environment are all part of being responsible members of our community.

Growing Together in the Montessori Way

The Montessori philosophy reminds us to observe, respond thoughtfully, and provide children with an environment that supports their development.

During haze season, this means creating a safe environment while continuing to nurture children's independence, confidence, curiosity, and emotional well-being.

We understand that every family may have different circumstances and concerns. Our goal is to maintain open communication and work together in making thoughtful decisions that prioritize the well-being of every child.

Let us face this season with calmness, awareness, cooperation, and care.

Because protecting children is not only about keeping them safe today, it is also about teaching them how to care for themselves, others, and the world around them.

Together, we can continue to help our children grow safely, confidently, and happily.

Warm regards,

Principal,

Alif Montessori School Pekanbaru