Returning to school or starting school for the first time can be a source of anxiety for parents and children. Here are some of our tried and tested tips for parents and children.
Your child is starting school and this is cause for a lot of excitement but also a source of anxiety. For your little one, the anxiety is caused by venturing into the unknown. They have never been to school before, never worn a school uniform and don’t know the children they will be starting with
Tips for her very first day of school:
- It’s important that parents address these feelings of anxiety. You should tell your child that it’s perfectly normal to feel worried and nervous and that the other children will be feeling the same.
- Speak often about starting school. Prepare in advance and encourage kids to talk about how they are feeling. If there is something they are particularly nervous about, see if you can get them to tell you about it.
- Have a fun day out, buying a school bag, socks, shoes, stationary and pencil cases and get them to help you write the list. Let them choose what they want and let them get excited about school.
- Why not pick a morning, put on their uniform, pack their school bag and do a practice run of walking or driving to the school.
- Prepare a packed lunch at home. Help them make a list of what they might like in their lunch box and make it a fun event having one at home.
- Organise a play date. If you know any children that will be starting with your child, arrange a play date beforehand so they will recognise a friendly face when they start school
