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21st August 2024
11:30am BST
It’s been a long summer and switching back into a strict school routine can be difficult for little ones.
Getting the bedtime, homework, early morning and routine down for another term takes time.
However, there are things you can start doing now that will ease the transition back into learning come the end of August.
Onlinefirstaid.com recommends:
An open discussion about the upcoming academic year will encourage your child to voice their fears and anxieties.
This cathartic release is vital for children as it helps them overcome their anxiety-provoking thoughts and feelings.
This can dispel fears and make them feel excited about going back to class. Perhaps meet in the park and plan some social activities before they meet in the classroom.
Create a positive atmosphere at home by talking cheerfully about the new school year, and all the happy and good things about going back to school.
Take them shopping and get things ready for the new school year will make them feel more positive and excited about going back to school.
This will also give them a sense of normality.
Help your child plan and organise their back-to-school paraphernalia like bagpack, pencil box and stationery.
Begin regulating their sleeping and eating schedules at least one week prior to the school reopening day. Ensuring that they get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet will help them feel relaxed and calm. Remember, lack of proper sleep and food can make children feel angry, irritable and restless.
Help them structure their routine. For example, getting the bagapcks and uniforms ready the previous night, to avoid feeling overburdened with tasks in the morning, setting a wake-up time and so on.
Remember that many children and teenagers are not their best in the mornings and they have had a long time away from the usual school routine. It may take a bit longer to readjust their internal time-clock to be able to function properly in the morning.
