The beginning of the school year can be an overwhelming time for children and their families. And it can often result in the back to school blues. This year’s pandemic has created a lot of uncertainty and unfamiliar situations. Plus most students have been away from school for an unusually long time and as such, may find it harder than usual to return.
If your child is feeling anxious or simply has the ‘back to school blues’ after this extended period away from school, here are some great tips to ease them back into the new school year from a leading preparatory school in London.
Disclosure: This is a partnered post
#1: PRACTICE YOUR NEW BACK TO SCHOOL ROUTINE
If your child has been enjoying late nights over the summer holidays, it may take some time to adjust back to the early morning school routine. To make the mornings less of a stressful rush, it is a good idea to encourage earlier bed times a couple of weeks before school starts. You could also practice preparing their packed lunches over the holidays too and use them for picnics.
#2: GIVE THEM AN INCENTIVE
To get your child excited about their return to school and to encourage a positive attitude towards learning, you could set up a special desk space at home. If this isn’t practical how about taking them out and treating them to a new stationary collection?
#3: HELP THEM FEEL SAFE
A great way to help a child, who may be suffering from separation anxiety, is to allow them to take a small object in their school bag that acts as a comforter. This could be as simple as a family photo or soft toy. You could also surprise your child with a secret note in their lunch box giving words of encouragement.
#4: SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Help your child to understand that their feelings about returning to school are normal and many of their classmates are likely to be feeling the same way. Explain that it is OK to feel anxious and let them know that you are always there to talk to. Discuss your own memories of your first day of school and what your classroom was like.
#5: MAKE TIME FOR FUN
Many children have had so much fun over the summer holiday that they feel sad about it coming to an end. To combat these back to school blues it is important to try and keep up some of those fun activities after school or at weekends. When kids see that school doesn’t necessarily mean giving up on fun, they’re less likely to have negative feelings about it.
#6: CONSIDER HOMESCHOOLING
Finally, perhaps you could consider homeschooling for your children for a while? It is true that some children (and parents) thrive in this situation and maybe it is the best option for your family. If this is something you might consider, here is an ultimate guide on homeschooling.
Good luck with getting the kids in your family back to school. There is no denying it is going to be a very strange start to the new school year, however we hope these tips will help make life a little easier.
