How to Help Your Child Prepare for the New School Year
Start by Talking to Your Child
For many children, going back to school can be a time of heightened anxiousness. This is a normal and expected feeling – even if it is uncomfortable. Some children may be unsure if they will be with their friends or their preferred teacher. Others may be worried about the new topics or subjects they will be studying. This uncertainty can easily lead to anxiousness.
As a parent, it is essential to understand your child’s apprehension: when they say they are worried about going back to school, what particular things are they worried about? There doesn’t have to be a formal “talk”. Often, you will get more information from casual conversations, such as on a daily walk or driving to the supermarket. It can help to frame things in a positive way. Start by asking your child what they are looking forward to or want to get out of their new school year. This can open the door to explore their feelings and concerns.
Validate Their Concerns
When your child opens up, it is important to validate their concerns. For example, if they say, “I’m scared I won’t like my teacher”. Don’t simply reply, “don’t worry about it! The teachers all seem fine at your school”. This dismisses their concerns and can make them feel more anxious and unable to safely share their fears with you.
Instead, share examples from your own experiences of being nervous and how you managed the situation. You could say, “when I started Year 6, I had a new teacher. She was new to the school and I was worried she would be really strict. But I gave myself a chance to get to know her. And she was really fun and that turned out to be my favourite year of primary school.”
Without dismissing your child’s concerns, it is important to highlight some of the known positives. You can remind them even though they are worried about having lots of homework or how hard their maths lessons might be, they will get to see all their friends again. Or they will be able to use the basketball courts or library. Keep connecting back to the positives they may have mentioned or enjoyed before.
Pick Something to Look Forward To
With your child, identify something to look forward to after each school day or once they reach the first weekend. This might be committing to go to a park after school or organizing a catch-up with their best friend the following weekend. This doesn’t need to be a “reward” for attending school – it isn’t something that can be taken away if they continue to voice their concerns. Rather, it can be a tangible thing for your child to focus on when they start to worry.
Get Back into Routine Early
Start preparing your household early to be ready for school again. Use these next days or weeks before term starts to ease into waking up earlier, having breakfast together, or going to bed at a regular time. This can help minimize any concerns your child might be feeling about the looming routine.
Implementing a routine similar to previous years will also help your child feel familiar with school again. As a bonus, consistent routines are also linked with helping children feel safe, developing independence, and reducing anxiousness.
What Can You Change?
Also consider what changes you might be able to make to your home schedule for the first few weeks. This could include minimizing non-urgent activities after school, to let your child just come home and reset after each day.
Conclusion
Going back to school can be a challenging time for children, and it’s normal to feel anxious. By talking to your child, validating their concerns, and finding something to look forward to, you can help them prepare for the new school year. Remember to get back into routine early and make any necessary changes to your home schedule. If your child’s anxiousness persists, speak to the school or your local GP for further support.
FAQs
Q: What are some signs of back-to-school anxiety in children?
A: Some common signs of back-to-school anxiety in children include feeling nervous or worried, having trouble sleeping or eating, and becoming easily upset or irritable.
Q: How can I help my child feel more comfortable with the transition back to school?
A: You can help your child feel more comfortable with the transition back to school by talking to them about their concerns, validating their feelings, and helping them find something to look forward to after school.
Q: What if my child’s back-to-school anxiety persists?
A: If your child’s back-to-school anxiety persists, it’s essential to speak to the school or your local GP for further support. They can help identify any underlying issues and provide guidance on how to manage your child’s anxiety.
