Fred Testot approaches the start of the school year calmly as a dad, and with humor! During the month of September, the actor is to be found in a series of mini-films for the online tutoring platform GoStudent, which has the merit of making many parents feel guilty. Homework, back-to-school and schooling… He talks to us about his role as a dad and his advice for a zen and successful back-to-school.
As a dad, how are you preparing for this new school year?
Fred Testot: “Serenely! As a dad, I adapt, I make sure to be there for my family, that’s my priority. Listening to everyone in this period is the most important”.
Do you understand the period of adolescence?
To be honest, I never dreaded the period of adolescence, because we grow up together and we get to know each other together, with our children. We are always in discussion and sharing, that’s the main thing.
What are your dad’s secrets and tips for a successful and stress-free back to school?
Relax! Depending on the family, the holidays can be more or less chaotic, so back to school is the time to resume a routine that can ultimately be as comfortable for parents as for children. Talking about back to school, new friends, but also new activities… My trick is to focus on novelty to fill up with positive energy.
“My trick is to focus on novelty to fill up with positive energy”.
How do you organize your education?
I’ve always made sure to organize myself in my work to be present as much as possible, sometimes I can’t do otherwise, but it’s rare. I have even often given up on projects to focus on family time, it’s vital for me.
Otherwise, for schooling, I am the type to trust. So, I listen carefully to the stories of the day at school rather than making points with the teachers.
Do you participate in homework and how does it go?
I try to help of course, but on this point, it is not so much a question of availability as of pedagogy. I believe that like many parents, I often find myself a bit alone when faced with certain questions. despite my good will!
Like in the GoStudent mini-movies, are you an answer dad when your child asks you a question?
Well, this character looks quite like me after all! No, I don’t have all the answers and yes, I tend to take things with humor. But when it comes to education, educational support platforms like GoStudent, which offer private lessons online, are serious allies for families. It’s really a relief to be able to count on the help of a teacher outside of class.
Invested, protective, authoritarian… what type of dad are you?
I would say to define myself in my role as a father that I am a daily protective daddy hen. I favor humor in all circumstances, which allows you to relax, not to stress and which also facilitates appeasement in the event of conflict or opposition. Humor, even in the parent-child relationship, is a drug that can be used endlessly without side effects!