I don’t know about your kids, but going back to school can be a love-hate relationship for us. First, it’s the rushing around getting all the things you left until the last minute, then once that’s all done it’s the waiting game. Having a tween in the house, nervous energy can be challenging. Once upon a time going back to school was exciting. The emotional rollercoaster of anxiety can take its toll on the whole family. However, implementing some new strategies can make a huge difference.
Being organised
Being organised, and letting your kids see they have everything ready, is a great visual checklist. It’s much the same for parents. If we know what’s on our list, and that it’s ticked off, we feel more in control. So make a list and include everything from uniforms to stationery, and give them a highlighter.
Get the kids to pack their bags the night before, even go as far as packing their lunch box and putting it in the fridge. The anxiety of leaving something behind on the first day can affect their sleep. A good night’s sleep before school starts will make that first morning so much smoother.
Getting up a little bit earlier, before them is a great idea. If they see and feel you rushing around, that feeling could transfer to them. Plan to be at school earlier than normal. That way if your timeline blows out you have room to move.
Morning routines
Mornings at home can be a battleground. I’m sure a lot of parents can relate. It can be a challenge getting them out of bed, getting them away from the TV, and getting them to the breakfast bench. We can lose our cool, and this doesn’t help the situation.
A house can be full of singing, laughter, organisation and responsibility and it all begins with music. Now, this isn’t going to work for every household, however, if your morning madness isn’t working then it’s worth a try.
Get the kids involved and create a few different morning playlists. It’s important not to let them choose the songs each morning. It’s got to be used for a happiness injection, not something to argue over. So it’s music on, TV off.
Next, begin the jobs list. Someone is making breakfast and the other is packing lunchboxes. Dancing, singing and bumping bums now and then are important for not only the kid’s mindset but for us.
Anxiety down, happiness up.
Positive conversations
How you talk about school to your kids, has a huge impact on their thoughts. Let’s face it, how many times have you heard your kids repeat your words to someone else? They are always listening and absorbing. Conversations about being with their new ‘awesome’ teacher this year will have a massive effect on their perception of the teacher. Fun activities like the swimming carnival, excursions later in the year, and even different sports, can encourage more positive thoughts about going back to school.
Don’t forget to mention their friends. One of the best things about school is to hang out with friends.
If you’ve got a child transitioning to high school, support them the best way you can. It’s a big change for them, and they still need you to shine the torch, just don’t cramp their style.
Keep things simple
The first couple of weeks of going back to school are exhausting for them and us. Getting back into the swing of things takes a lot of brainpower. Keep their activity after school minimal to begin with. I think one of the most important things is to let them talk about what they did at school. This is before they turn on the TV or fire up their iPads.
Sit down in a circle and one at a time ask them about their day. How are they finding the teacher; what kids are in their class this year; how’s the new classroom etc? If you do it all together it helps your quieter or younger kids remember their day just by listening to their siblings. Every day you can do this for a few weeks to make sure they are settling in okay. We don’t plan any other activities which helps them transition from home life back to school life, much easier.
Going back to school anxiety
Kids can take a few weeks to settle back into school life. However, if you’re still worried about your child after a few weeks back at school, you should talk to your child’s teacher.
Resources and contact you can also reach out to:
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
School Refusal: children & teens (Raising Children)
