Heading back to school can be an emotional and nerve-racking time for little ones, especially if they’re starting a brand new school. To prepare your child and encourage them to look forward to starting the academic year we have compiled a list our best coping strategies:
Spend Quality Time With The Child
It’s essential that you shower your school bound youngster with love and attention in the days leading up to their first day back. To ease the stress it’s worth freeing up as much time as possible so that you can spend quality time with your children. Having you around will provide much needed reassurance and comfort. However, if you’ve got your hands full with another baby then consider using an established nanny and maternity nurse agency to provide you with a qualified child carer who can support you and your child.
Address Any Questions or Fears
Often it’s the concept of the unknown that has kids in a frenzy. In fact, it’s no difference to how adults react to similar situations. To avoid this we would encourage you to answer as many questions as possible. For example, they may ask “what will happen if something bad happens to mum or dad while they’re at school”, “what if they don’t make any friends”, “what if they don’t fit in’” and so on. This will give them an idea of what it will be like in their new surroundings and how their routine will change. The unexpected is often a daunting prospect but if we’re able to give them an insight into what it’s going to be like then sleepless nights are often avoided.
Build Excitement and Focus On The Positives
Rather than have them think about school as something they should dread or fear, encourage them to be excited about the concept. Get them to choose fun and colourful stationary sets, decorate their books, treat them to a brand new school bag or shoes or plan an extra special back to school lunch. Any of these ideas will make your child look forward to going back to school.
As a continuation of this, you should also focus on the positives. Tell them all about how school is a fantastic opportunity to make new friends, learn new things and have new experiences.
Address Any Questions or Fears
Often it’s the concept of the unknown that has kids in a frenzy. In fact, it’s no difference to how adults react to similar situations. To avoid this we would encourage you to answer as many questions as possible. For example, they may ask “what will happen if something bad happens to mum or dad while they’re at school”, “what if they don’t make any friends”, “what if they don’t fit in’” and so on.
At the end of the day you should be supportive yet mindful that you don’t indulge any protests or tantrums with unconstructive actions. Remember to listen to your child’s concerns and remain realistic. By this we mean to try and tackle your child’s main concerns about going back to school. Simply focus on the problems that are most crucial in a nice calm manner.
This will give them an idea of what it will be like in their new surroundings and how their routine will change. The unexpected is often a daunting prospect but if we’re able to give them an insight into what it’s going to be like then sleepless nights are often avoided.
Have A Trial Run
For youngsters that are anxious about how the morning is going to unfold, a trail run is a great idea. Go through every step of the getting to school process – from setting alarms and packing lunches to tying shoes and brushing teeth. We find back to school checklists really useful.
Keep Them Happy and Healthy
A healthy diet can work wonders for helping us to keep calm and stress free. Rather than saturate them with sugar take the time to plan healthy, nutritious meals that nourish them and boost their concentration span rather than have them on a temporary sugar high.
Check-In On Your Own Behaviour
Children take behavioural cues from their parents so it’s important to make sure you’re acting cool, calm and collected. Even if you feel stressed about the back to school rush don’t let your child see your agitation. If you’re worried about how they’ll do on their first day take on a positive and laid back attitude rather than allowing your concern to shine through. This means no excessive hugging or goodbyes and definitely no tears!
Keep these tips in mind and there’s no reason why you and your child should have to endure excessive stress when heading back to school.
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