As back-to-school time approaches, many parents are looking for ways to help their children transition back into their school routine.
Below are some proven tips to support your child going back to school and making the transition as seamless as possible.
1. Set a consistent bedtime routine :
A couple of weeks before your child starts school, establish their bedtime and wake-up times.
By the time school starts, your child’s body will adjust and waking up early will feel more natural and less stressful.
2. Practice getting ready for school :
One or two weeks before school begins, show your child where their clothes are kept and encourage them to lay out their clothes the night before.
So, by the time school starts, this will establish a routine, making it a habit for your child to get their clothes, i.e. uniform, ready for school.
3. Acknowledge the negative :
It’s common for children to feel nervous about going back to school.
- Acknowledge that your child may be nervous about going back to primary or high school, especially if it’s their first day at a new school. It’s normal for them to feel anxious or apprehensive, and acknowledging these feelings is important.
- Recognise and acknowledge that it might be hard for them to have a new teacher and to be in different classes from their friends. Explore strategies, such as visiting the school beforehand so your child can get familiar with the environment, talking to your child about what might be worrying them or talking to their teacher about your concerns.
4. Focus on the positives :
While it is important to acknowledge your child’s worries, also focus on what they enjoy about school, and the wonderful possibilities that come with education.
- Ask your child what they are looking forward to at school, for example, they might be excited to see their friends, play games at lunchtime or learn their favourite subjects. Moving the discussion to the positive, this will shift their focus from feeling anxious to excited.
- Illustrate the power of education, the fun of the classroom, and talk about the future, such as high school or university. This can be a powerful motivating tool.
- Remind them that their favourite extracurricular activities, such as soccer, dance or swimming, will also start soon. These activities can provide your child with something to look forward to beyond the classroom.
5. Final Thoughts on Back-To-School Transitions :
Going back to school, whether it be primary or high school, can be both stressful and exciting.
By acknowledging your child’s feelings, establishing and practising routines and helping them focus on the positives, the transition back to school can be easier for your children and the whole family.
