Tips for Managing Your Child’s Return to School

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Tips for Managing Your Child’s Return to School

In this two-minute read,
we look at how parents can help their children adjust to being back in the
classroom.

After many long and draining weeks of learning from
home, children across the UK are finally returning to school.

While weary parents may be glad to see the back of
homeschooling, some children may find the transition from front room to
classroom daunting.

After spending so much time at home, dealing with
the hurly-burly of school life might prove challenging for young people.

Here are some back-to-school tips from the NSPCC and
mental health charity Place2Be.

Sleep tight

  • If your routine slipped during
    lockdown (and let’s face it, almost everybody’s did), readjust your
    child’s bedtime so that they’re not tired when you get them up for school.
  • If your child has a tablet or
    phone, make sure that they’re not using it close to bedtime as this will
    interfere with their sleep.
  • Exercise and fresh air aid a good
    night’s sleep, so if your child is experiencing broken sleep or is feeling
    anxious, get outside in the great outdoors.

Talk and listen

  • Talk to your child about how and
    why some things at school – such as lunchtime, playtime and PE – might be subject
    to different rules. Children are remarkably adaptable, but it’s worthwhile
    being upfront about the unusual situation in which we find ourselves.
  • If your child struggles to
    express themselves, encourage them to draw, paint or write about what’s on
    their minds. Putting our thoughts down on paper can have a soothing effect
    and help put things into perspective.
  • If returning to the classroom is
    making your child anxious, arrange to meet one of their friends on the way
    to school so that the two can chat before they get to the gates. Most
    likely, they’ll be so busy catching up with their mate that they’ll forget
    their nerves.

Advice and support

  • If your child seems stressed, show
    them Childline’sCalm Zone and explore some of the
    relaxation tips, breathing exercises and games on offer.
  • If catching up on lost lesson
    time is proving difficult for your child and you’re considering hiring
    additional support, read theNSPCC’s safety tips for hiring a tutor before
    you do anything.
  • Talk to a teacher or school
    counsellor if you feel concerned. Some parents feel embarrassed seeking
    mental health support for their child, but it’s okay to ask for help.

Charities that can help

The NSPCC

Place2Be

Childline

From the team at Marlborough Homes, stay safe and take care.

COPYRIGHT MARLBOROUGH HOMES INC LTD 2021

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