While nerves can be a good thing it is important you don’t let stress take over your child's life as they start something new.
Here are six ways you can prepare your son or daughter for the challenges ahead:
1. Remind them that they aren’t alone
One of the most daunting things about starting secondary is not knowing anyone else there, so make sure you remind your child that they aren’t alone in feeling this way.
2. Have a few practice runs
If your youngster has to make their own way to the school for the first time do a few runs with them so they feel comfortable about the route. The first time your teen has to get the bus to school can be overwhelming so make sure they have done it plenty of times before the big day.
3. Don’t push them
When they do start don’t force them to sign up to every after school activities going or push them for information about their day. Let them find their own way and with a little bit of time they will eventually settle in and make friends.
4. Be there to listen to them
If you can, be there for them when they come home for the first week or two at least. Whether they want to talk to you or not, they will appreciate having you around when they get in from a long day.
5. Make sure they get plenty of sleep
Sleep it so important to keep your little one’s stress levels down and make them better able to cope with their day. They are still at an age where you can give them a bed time so make the most of it and get them to sleep by ten at the latest.
6. Finally, remember how you felt
Try to remember back to how you felt when you started secondary school and use these memories to help your little one. Whether you were nervous or not telling your child how you dealt with the anxiety or explaining why you were excited about the next chapter will give them some comfort.
