Back to School

It is back to school week. This can cause anxiety for both parents and children starting school for the first time and returning to school. Here are some tips to help the transition back to school be as smooth as possible for you and your child.

1. Routine – if you have not already done so re-establish a consistent bedtime routine and a consistent wake up time. You will also need to develop a morning and afternoon routine that works for your family and your child. Children and parents need routine to help things run smoothly and to alleviate anxiety and guide expectations and rules of the family home.

2. Parents may wish to consider limiting technology use with the return to school. Many children have had increased technology usage over the school holidays. Establish new rules and boundaries with regard to technology usage during the school week and on weekends.

3. Preparation – is the key. We all have very busy lives and returning to school requires lots of preparation from parents and children alike. It may be beneficial to prepare uniforms and lunches the evening before and encourage children to pack their bags the evening before. For younger children a change of clothing may be required just in case of accidents. It can be worthwhile preparing children for what to expect when they return to school. Children need to know who is dropping them off, whom is picking them up or when they will be catching the bus. Children will also need to know where you will say goodbye and where you will be waiting for them as many schools are not allowing children within the school grounds.

4. Good communication – establish good communication with your child’s teacher, the school, other parents and families. They can all serve different purposes in alleviating many of your concerns with the return to school. For children with special needs a communication book or another form of daily communication may be necessary to support appropriate communication between school and home.

5. Visual Supports can be very beneficial to many children. They can help children understand their morning or afternoon routine and can be really helpful in guiding children in understanding what is happening and when. Visual supports can help alleviate anxiety and problem behaviours in many children with additional needs.

6. Be positive and stay calm – your child will sense if you are nervous or anxious. This will only create anxiety for your child. Be positive and remember this is an exciting time in their life.

7. Have realistic expectations of yourself and your child. Your child may be cranky, irritable and tired returning to school. There may be meltdowns and tantrums as they settle in to their new routine. This is to be expected. Do not put too many expectations on yourself or your child after school.

8. Provide choice and control to your child to help alleviate their anxiety. This could include offering a choice between what they can have on their lunch, what they can have for breakfast, choice of a reward if they are ready on time in the morning, or even the order they complete their morning routine. Remember do not overwhelm them with too much choice. Two options is plenty.

9. Connect with therapists / professionals if your concerns continue. These professional can support you and your child to address these concerns quickly. Seek support if required.

Kasha Bedford (Principal Psychologist)