For many of our students at DBIS coming back after the holidays can range from feeling excited and eager to concern, fear or anxiety. To best help our parents, children and young people with back-to-school worries, we would like to offer some tips to help reduce anxieties and increase the potential of a positive return to school experience.
Set up a back-to-school routine
Create structure about going back with a school routine. Be guided by your knowledge about your child and history of what best supports them during times of change and transition. Regardless of their age, take the time to discuss the following points below with them. It provides an opportunity to show you are engaged and interested in them being successful with their learning and routines whether they are five or seventeen.
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 ( age relevant).
- What do you expect them to do on their own? (establish these together).
- Ensure that all is ready the night before – uniforms and books are essentials for starting the day the right way so ensure they understand the importance of being ready and prepared.
Doing the above removes so much stress from any unexpected occurrences in the day ahead.
Ensure good sleep and health are part of the routine.
The first week back can cause disruption from being in holiday mode so don’t forget healthy habits around:
- sleep – around 9-11 hours for children aged 5-13 and 8-10 hours for those aged 14-17;
- exercise – moderate to vigorous physical activity three times a week);
- and a healthy diet.
For students with devices in their room, we recommend removing these during the school week.
Too often students are still awake chatting online or communicating when we think they are asleep.
If this is a new school or new phase – be positive about the transition.
Build excitement by talking about all the new opportunities for friendships and activities they’ll have.
Encourage your child to be social and let them know that the unknown can be scary but things like breathing exercises, getting active, and having “me-time” can all help with the transition back to school.
Finally, make regular times in the school term to talk with your child about their school life beyond academics. Provide a platform where they can discuss their concerns without judgment.
Remember that it is okay to not have an answer, quite often our young people just want to be heard and declutter their thoughts with the people they love.
I look forward to a great year ahead with our DBIS community.
For more information about wellbeing provision and workshop opportunities for parents, kindly visit the Parent Hub HERE.