Tips for Managing Your Child’s Return to School

Posted in Mar 05 , 2021

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

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