Top eight tips for back to school

Back to school is only a week away for many children (and teachers). So, whether your child’s about to start school for the first time, going into a new year or starting secondary school, here are the top eight tips from Parentline Plus for getting them ready to go back through the school gate.

Perhaps you could share your top tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school with us in the form below.

1. Start finding your routine again near the end of the holidays. Getting back to school-day bedtimes is a good place to start. Then it won’t be such a shock when term starts again.

2. Try to prepare in advance. Then you won’t be in a panic buying uniforms and stationery at the last minute; this way you can shop around for the best deals.

3. It is OK to for you and your kids to feel the ‘back to school blues’.  But if your child seems too worried or apprehensive, make sure you take a quiet time out to ask if they are OK.

4. Talk about change. Whether it is a new school, or a change in your family’s circumstances, make time to talk about any fears or worries. Why not visit the school to get your child used to the new journey.

5. Your child may be worried about losing friends who are going to a different secondary school or about making new friends. You could try inviting an old school friend round for tea at the end of the first week so they can compare notes.

6. Tell your child you are proud of them. If your child is about to start an important year such as GCSEs or first year at secondary school, they may need a bit more reassurance.

7. Re-address any problems left over from last term.  If your child has experienced bullying or has had problems at school, make sure you understand what they want to happen too - even if it means just talking about it.

8. Be prepared to give them a bit of leeway for the first week. School can be a long day for kids and when they are out of practice it can be exhausting.

Read our tips for a happy transition to secondary school.

Read about starting school in a foreign country - and let us know what you think.

Comments

[diana]

Most of these tips can be applied to the teachers too!