With children heading back to school next month, the countdown to September is already underway.
For some children, returning to school is something to look forward to. For others, however, the thought of going back can bring worries about friendships, teachers, lessons and schoolwork.
New Department for Education figures found that, among secondary pupils who had missed school because of anxiety or mental health problems, 43% cited worries about lessons or exams, while 34% said they were worried about getting on with teachers.
With September fast approaching, Aspinline has shared seven simple tips to help parents ease some of those back-to-school worries.
7 Ways Parents Can Ease Back-to-School Anxiety
1. Start Talking About School Now
There’s no need to wait until the final few days of the holidays to start talking about the return to school.
Bringing it up early gives children plenty of time to get used to the idea and talk through anything that might be worrying them.
- Ask what they’re looking forward to as well as what they’re nervous about. If they mention something that seems small to you, try not to dismiss it.
Not knowing who they will sit next to at lunchtime might not seem like a major concern to an adult, but it can feel like a very big deal to a child.
Giving them the opportunity to talk openly can help you understand what is really on their mind.
2. Get Back Into The Routine Gradually
There’s still plenty of summer left, so there’s no need to completely overhaul your child’s routine just yet.
However, as September gets closer, gradually moving bedtime and wake-up times earlier can make that first school morning feel less of a shock.
It can also help to reintroduce some familiar elements of the school-day routine, such as getting dressed at a similar time and sitting down for breakfast.
The aim isn’t to take away the freedom and fun of the holidays, but to make the eventual transition feel more manageable.
3. Get The School Essentials Sorted
With a few weeks to go, now is a good time to check that everything your child needs for September is ready.
Make sure their uniform and PE kit still fit, check that they have suitable shoes and go through their school list to see whether they need new stationery or other supplies.
It’s also worth checking anything they used regularly last year, such as their school bag, pencil case or water bottle, to make sure it’s still in good condition.
It doesn’t all have to be practical, either. Letting children choose a few fun additions to their school supplies can give them something positive to look forward to, whether that’s some colourful washi tape for decorating notebooks or multiplication wristbands to make practising times tables a little more enjoyable.
Getting everything organised early means there will be less to worry about during the final few days of the holidays, reducing the chances of a last-minute panic when September arrives.
4. Let Them Have Some Control
Returning to school can feel like a big change, particularly for children who are starting at a new school or moving into a different year group.
Giving them some control over the things they can choose can help make the transition feel less daunting.
Let them decide what they’d like for breakfast on the first morning or what they would like to do after school.
You could also involve them in planning their new routine. Talk through what their mornings will look like, how they will travel to school and what will happen when they get home.
They may not be able to choose everything about the new school year, but having a say in some of the smaller decisions can help them feel more prepared.
5. Talk About Friendships
For many children, the social side of school can feel more worrying than the lessons themselves.
They may be wondering whether their friends will still want to play with them, who they will sit with at lunchtime or whether they will fit in with a new group.
Rather than simply promising that everything will be fine, talk through what they could do if they find themselves in an awkward or uncomfortable situation.
You could even practise a few simple ways of approaching someone new or joining in with a game.
It’s important to remember that children don’t have to solve everything themselves. Teachers and other members of school staff are there to offer support if friendship problems arise.
6. Give Them Something To Look Forward To
Going back to school doesn’t have to be one long list of things to worry about. Make time to talk about the things they’re excited about, too.
Perhaps they’re looking forward to seeing a particular friend, returning to football, starting a favourite subject or joining a new club.
Focusing on the positive things coming up can help balance some of the nerves about what might go wrong.
7. Don’t Expect The First Day To Be Perfect
Every parent would love their child to walk through the school gates confidently, have a brilliant first day and come home full of exciting stories.
But the reality might be very different.
They could be exhausted, quiet or even grumpy when they get home. That doesn’t necessarily mean they had a bad day. After several weeks away from school, it can take children a little time to readjust.
Give them some space to unwind and try not to bombard them with questions as soon as they walk through the door.
Sometimes, simply being there and letting them relax is all they need.
A Little Preparation Can Go A Long Way
There’s no way to remove every worry a child might have about returning to school, and experiencing a few nerves is perfectly normal.
However, parents can help make the transition easier by talking about concerns early, getting practical preparations out of the way and giving children opportunities to feel involved.
With September still a few weeks away, there’s plenty of time to help children feel ready for the new school year — without allowing the return to school to take over the rest of the summer.
About Aspinline
Aspinline supplies high-quality promotional products, including Metal or Wooden Medals, Lanyards and Wristbands, Embroidered Patches and Enamel Badges, Keyrings, Challenge Coins and Pin Badges.
For ten years, Aspinline has supplied custom products for events, educational and corporate needs, functions and parties across the UK.
The company offers a Price Beat Promise and Free Artwork Proofing, helping customers get good value and a smooth experience throughout the ordering process.
Also see how to make the after school routine easier
