The time has arrived again. Where did those holidays go? This article provides tips on reducing the stress of back to school days and helping parents and children to enjoy what's left of the holidays.
Get your child used to earlier bedtimes and earlier get up times so it is not such a shock when they get back to school, and to ensure they are fully alert.
Try to leave plenty of time for uniform shopping so it is a positive experience. Avoid confrontation by giving your child choice, whilst maintaining ultimate control. "I like these shoes or those shoes, so which would you like?" will have a more peaceful result than "You're having these shoes whether you like it or not." Make sure your child breaks the shoes in so they are not distracted on their first day at school by sore feet.
Invite some of your child's classmates over so they can get friendly again and play and socialize in a group.
Wake your child's brain up ready for school by encouraging them to read to you, write a story or answer your quick-fire spellings or sums. Teach your child something new that they can be proud and confident of in their first week back at school; multiplication tables are a good idea. With younger children 'play' school so they are used to school routines such as answering the register, putting your hand up to speak and lining up.
Talk to your child about how grown-up they are and how exciting it will be to go back to school. If you appear excited and eager your child will adopt this emotion, rather than fear and stress.
Ensure your child's name is written clearly on all items of clothing and belongings, including P.E. kit and packed lunch boxes. Uniforms are very expensive so label your child's to avoid stress on your child's, the teachers, and your own behalf.
If your child has a packed lunch or is allowed to take a snack for break times, discuss with your child what they would like. Try to include some of their favorite foods in their first week so they feel settled and special. Avoid drinks and foods filled with additives & preservatives as they may make it difficult for your child to settle and concentrate. Rather, include high energy foods such as bananas and nuts that will help your child to be alert and active all day.
Ensure your child has an 'independent' lunch, that is they are able to open all items of food in their packed lunch. Children quickly become distressed if they have to ask and wait for help. If you want to include items difficult to open or peel such as yogurts or oranges, then open/peel them slightly to give your child an easy start, and cover in cling film.
Organize everything your child will need the night before. This saves you rushing around on the morning of school and will help to make sure your child has everything they need. Things you need may include: School uniform laid out ready to put on, an old shirt to cover their uniform for painting, a note of the phone numbers you and your family can be contacted at, a list of any allergies your child has.
If possible, walk to school on the first day. This will give you quality time with your child and make sure they are relaxed when they arrive at school. Talk about school, the people they will meet and the things they will do, but also talk about the ordinary things noticed on a walk.
Follow the school's system for children arriving in the morning, whether that be lining them up or escorting them into the cloakroom. Stay long enough for your child to be settled and the teacher to be present, reassure your child of the time you will be there to pick them up, then wave and leave. A drawn-out goodbye only leads to anxiety on your own and your child's behalf.