The new school year means new friends, teachers, clothes, and classrooms. It’s normal for children (and parents) to feel anxious about starting or returning to school. We’ve compiled a handy list with simple ways to ease the transition from vacation-mode to school-mode. It should be noted that not all of these tips can be applied to every child as each school and nursery is unique when it comes to specifics like homework or school supplies.
Start moving bedtime earlier by 10-15 minutes each night a couple of weeks before school starts. This helps ease the transition to early nights and mornings whilst ensuring your child gets enough sleep.
Practice the new morning routine a few days (or even earlier) before school begins. This includes waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing the school bag. Keeping a consistent routine helps children understand their new norm whilst helping reduce morning stress (although a stress-free morning, every morning, is not promised no matter how hard you try).
Involve your child in organising and labelling their school supplies. Whether it’s writing their name (if they can) on their belongings or asking your child to pick out which school equipment they want to take. This makes them feel prepared and excited about using their new materials at school.
If your child has a desk – great, ensure it’s all prepped with stationary, paper and anything else they might need (check to see if your school provides a list!). But if you don’t have space for them to have their own desk, then put together a box to keep their essentials in and bring it out onto any stable surface like a dining table when it’s time to work.
Whilst it may seem obvious, but talking through the daily schedule with your child, including wake-up time, school hours, homework time, bedtime etc can help to relieve any initial anxieties they might be having. It also opens up the opportunity for your child(ren) to ask you any questions they might be having.
Where possible, prepare a menu of healthy breakfasts, lunches and/or snacks to keep your child energised and focused throughout the day. You can also involve them when preparing so they know what to expect when they open their lunchbox. It can also help to prepare lunches the night before so there’s less to worry about in the morning!
School helps teach your child how to look after their belongings, which in turn helps to foster skills of independence. So, activities like packing their backpack or laying out their uniform the night before helps improve their confidence in being independent.
Like bedtime routines, reviewing and re-establishing rules about screen time, h, and other school-related routines like transportation. Having clear and consistent rules that you stick to helps a child feel more reassured about what their day will hold; in the long run it will also help improve their independence as they will be confident in what their tasks are day in and day out.
Whilst it may seem obvious, but talking positively about the upcoming school year can help improve your child’s confidence stepping foot into the classroom. Whether it’s highlighting fun activities they might get up to or even the opportunities to make new friends, your enthusiasm can help ease their nerves.
If your child seems a bit anxious their first few weeks, try putting together some fun activities to get up to during the weekends. This will give your child something to look forward to whilst also balancing work and play. If you are looking for inspiration, our Activity Corner is full of printable sheets and unique things to do together. Remember fun doesn’t have to cost a thing!
By implementing any of these tips, you’ll instantly see an ease into helping your child prepare for school. So, whether it’s another year or their first steps into education, remember to stay positive and try (as best as you can) to stick to a routine. Good luck!
