Back to school tips
With most children returning to school this week, our co-founder Jay has a few tips to help you ensure your child gets the best possible start to the term. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email us or check out our Facebook and Instagram pages - we’d love to hear from you!
FEELINGS
Your child may be very excited to go back to school, or they may be fearful or anxious. They are most likely to have a mixture of feelings and it is important that they know all their feelings are valid and welcome
If your child is feeling anxious, they may need to vent. It can be hard to resist the urge to "fix" or use logic but allowing space for feelings to come out in their rawest form is often what is most needed so hold space as much as you can.
You may also have mixed feelings about your child returning to school and may need someone to support you and hold space for them. Perhaps you could arrange a call or meet up with another parent and support each other.
SLEEP
Everything is easier when you have had enough sleep so establishing a good bedtime routine will make life much happier for all.
Start early and be clear about what needs to happen, and by when. Work out a bedtime routine that meets everyone's needs. These may not be the same as they were in March! Some children work better with a list (written or pictorial) and sand or digital timers can be very helpful.
Make sure earlier in the day that the bedroom and bed are accessible and a restful environment (to some degree at least!)
Leave some time to read, chat and hug with your child. Even if they are older and story time isn't a thing any more, they might still appreciate a chance to talk about how they are feeling and night times are often a good time to offload.
MORNING
You may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of the "new normal" and your child may feel the same so it may be a good idea to chat about what the morning will look like, what needs to be done and by when, before it actually happens
Lists can be useful here too. Make a schedule and chat through it together as a family. Check it works for everyone.
Make time for love. A quick hug, kiss or loving word can make the world of difference.
SUPPORT
Transition objects can be really supportive. For a younger child that may be a cuddly toy, for an older child it could be a special key ring or even a pebble in their pocket. Something to comfort them when you aren't there. My son likes me to "put my love inside Teddy", so that he has access to it at any time during the day.
A simple card or note is a powerful reminder of a child's worth. Tell them you will miss them, tell them you are proud of them, tell them you believe in them. Simple yet effective.
Touch has a calming impact on the nervous system so take the time to have a long hug, squeeze their shoulder or walk hand-in-hand. As long as they want you to of course!
Remember - humans are incredibly resourceful and amazing at adapting, especially children, and especially when they have love and support.