Six practical tips for parents to help make the first day back a little easier for their children.
The good news is there are things parents can be doing right now, in the lead-up to school, that may make that first day a little bit easier.and parenting expert Liat Hughes Joshi says one way to help parents get their kids prepared for September is by reintroducing a routine.
“I always recommend parents start reintroducing routine before the end of the summer,” she told HuffPost UK. “This helps to ease their children back into meal and bedtimes that are more in line with when they’re back at school – but this year, it’s going to be even more important than ever.” She added: “If you have let routine slip into being very relaxed, I’d be looking to bring things back a good week before the start of year. Do it gradually, and it’ll be less stressful for you all by the time term starts and the alarm clock returns!”We can’t get away from the fact school is going to be a little different this fall, said Joshi. With this in mind, talk to your child about changes they might experience as much as you’re aware of them. “If they look concerned about it all, remember to focus on the positives – the things they’ll still be able to do, not just the things that they can’t do at the moment,” she said. For children making a big transition in September, such as starting elementary school or moving on to middle, it’ll be a bit harder than normal, added Joshi. “Do your best to familiarize them with the new school: walk past and talk about the aspects of their new school life that you do know about.”Gummer says you can introduce school back into their lives in a more subtle way, like using Playmobil or even Sylvanian Families, for example, and asking your child “how the little bunny rabbit feels about being back at school.” “Toys provide a layer of protection for the kids when it comes to revealing how they’re feeling, because they can pretend it’s about the bunny – not them,” she said. “You can address real issues, without being too emotive.”Talk to your child about changes they might experience as much as you’re aware of them.Getting your child used to socializing again is important, said Gummer. “One-on-one playdates at the park or in the backyard, or wherever you feel safe, are a good idea,” she said. “It will help get kids used to being together again.”“Kids who haven’t been doing a huge amount of reading or home learning might need a gentle reintroduction into school-type learning using bedtime stories,” suggested Gummer. “You can ask them some questions at the end [of the story] to see if they’ve taken it in. Or, try doing a jigsaw puzzle to build up attention and concentration and help them access that type of learning, when they return to school.”Gummer says kids can be anxious about lots of things, so it’s important to allow space to have age-appropriate conversations. “Let them know it’s okay to ask questions and it’s alright if they’re feeling nervous about school,” Gummer said. “Play games, read books, and give them plenty of opportunities to talk through any concerns. Be aware if you’re expecting them to be anxious, you might interpret what they’re saying in a more complex way, so let your child direct the conversation,” she added.
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