Children experience a mix of emotions when it comes to going to school. Easing back after the holidays can range from feeling really excited and eager to concern, fear or anxiety. Getting butterflies or general worry about going back to school is common. 

Among the biggest worries of preschool children are feeling left out, being teased or saying goodbye to their caregiver at drop off.  Not thinking about school until it is time to go back, for some, can make going back to school more difficult.

Supporting parents can help reduce negative school experiences using the below steps.

1. Set up a Back-to School Routine

Create structure about going back with a school routine. Be guided by your knowledge and history of what best supports your child during times of change and transition.

Set up a practical chart of getting ready. You could include: 

• what needs to be done each day for school like getting up, eating breakfast, dressing

• what help does your child need from you to get ready?

• what they can do on their own? (Establish these together). 

The first week back can cause disruption from being in holiday mode so don’t forget healthy habits around sleep (around 9-11 hours), exercise (around one hour per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity three times a week) and diet.

Having consistent bed and wake-up  times helps too. The National Sleep Foundation suggest starting two weeks before the first day of school to set sleep routine habits. But a week beforehand will help get your kid on their way.

2. Talk about Going Back to School

Most children deal with some level of anxiety about school. You can offer support by normalising experiences of worry and nerves. Reassure your child the feelings they have are common and they will likely overcome them once they have settled in. Worries and courage can exist together.

3. Help Create a Sense of School Belonging

A sense of belonging at school can affect academic success and student well-being. Parents can facilitate positive attitudes about school by setting an encouraging tone when talking about it. Also show an interest in school life and work, and be available to support your child both academically and socially.

5. Encourage Questions

Encourage questions children have about the next term. What will be the same? What will be different? 

Most importantly, let your child know nothing is off limits to talk about. Set up times to chat throughout the school term – it can help with back-to-school nerves.

Adapted from: https://theconversation.com