Our top tips to help your child feel emotionally ready for a new school year!
It doesn't seem like two minutes have passed since they broke up, now we're talking about getting them ready to go back - here are our tips to help your child feel excited, prepared and confident to start a new year.
Why get your child ready for school now?
Preparing your child early on helps them to manage and process how they're feeling about returning, allows them to build up their confidence and also helps you to address any anxieties or worries they may have. We would suggest starting to prepare them around two weeks before the start of the new term.
1. Get them back into routine
If you've been letting your child stay up later than usual or having lazier mornings, around two weeks before the start of the school year, start getting them to bed and up at the times they would during term time. Try and mimic the school routine as best you can, by waking up, getting dressed and getting ready for the day as you would during the school term.
2. Arrange play dates with school friends
Depending on your child's friendship groups, try setting up play dates with other children from their class that they might not see as much to get them used to being around their peers. If your child is worried about starting a new class - reach out to parents (if you can) and see if they would be up for arranging a get together before the start of term.
3. Get them used to doing school work again
We all make promises with ourselves to continue the learning at home during the holidays but between working, childcare and summer plans, the best laid plans always go astray! If you've been a bit lax on the reading front over the summer start getting them into the routine of reading every day and preparing them for things they'll be learning at school. You can use some of our resources, or pop down to your local Home Bargains and invest in some low cost workbooks - these are great to have them complete at home.
4. Set goals for the new school year
You can help get your child get excited for a new year by having them think about all the things they achieved last year and all the things they want to achieve this year. Setting goals is extremely beneficial for our wellbeing, helping us feel prepared and motivated.
5. Take them shopping for supplies
Whether it's for new shoes, a new school bag or water bottle, get them excited by picking out their own things for school. Take them shopping when you plan to pick up uniform and stationery too! You can download our School Supplies Shopping list from the Hub as part of our Back to School pack and have them tick off each item as you go.
6. Do the school run
If your school is local and weather permitting, try and head out for a walk to school and back. Get them familiarised with the building again and used to travelling the route to school every day. If your child is starting a new school, practise the school run a few times and explore the grounds around the school to help them build some familiarity and ease any first day nerves.
7. Validate and explore their feelings
Ask them how they're feeling about returning to school and what they're excited for/worried about. Make time to engage in conversation when there are no distractions - such as when they are winding down for bed and feel relaxed. Reassure them all feelings are normal. You can even use some of our resources too!
8. Download our back to school pack
If you're a Be Happy Hub Member, you can download our Back to School Mindful Journal to help your child get ready for school at no extra cost. This activity pack has over 30 activities and worksheets to help prepare your child for returning to school and reflect on their first day.
Not a Hub member? You can sign up here for just £1.99 a month!
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