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Sandra Quinn, 30 Aug
YOU know that the return to school is imminent when ads for barbecues,
ice pops and sunscreens are replaced with deals for uniforms and
lunch-box fillers.
For children, switching from lie-ins and lazy days back to a tightly
scheduled routine can be difficult. With a little bit of planning (and
patience!) there are a few things that can make the transition back to
school a little easier all around.
For children who are starting ‘big school’ for the first time, consider
both the emotional and practical elements of that transition.
Talk to them about their new school and routine a little every day,
without making too much of a fuss about it. For example, talk about the
new friends that they are going to meet or the fact that they will have
their very own chair.
Practice opening and closing their lunch box with them, taking on and
off their own coats and work on their self-care skills (going to the
bathroom and washing their hands independently).
Even simple things like explaining what a bell is and why it rings will
prepare them for the barrage of new things they will experience once
they start school.
The changeover from later summer bedtimes can have knock-on effects for
the first month back at school (grouchiness, difficulty concentrating
etc.).
Try bringing bedtime back 15 minutes earlier every night for the days
before school starts so your child’s body clock can adjust.
Similarly, start reintroducing dietary habits in the last week and days
before school returns.
During the summer holidays children often play a little before
breakfast and there is generally a more relaxed approach to mealtimes.
Having breakfast shortly after waking will help young appetites adjust.
We have a tendency to mourn the end of summer, which can result in
almost demonising school.
You would be amazed how much a positive outlook can influence how
children react to the return to school.
Talk about how lovely autumn is, and how it means seeing all their
friends again, watching the leaves change colours and thinking about
Halloween costumes.
READ MORE: Kilmallock announced as finalist in Going for Gold 2024
A great morning starts with the night before so think about having
lunches and uniforms prepared the night before.
It will also provide you with enough time every morning for that much -
needed coffee hit!
This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick.
Parenting Limerick is a network of parenting and family support
organisations. For more information on this and other topics go to
www.loveparenting.ie.
TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS
Now
* Check in on how your child is feeling about school. Excited,
anxious, nervous? Remember you don’t have to have all the answers.
Just listen.
* If you qualify, apply for back to school allowance
* Buy books, uniforms and shoes and put them away safely
* Begin to introduce sleep, food and daily routines. Agree this
together.
* Encourage your child to connect in with their pals
* Continue the chat with your child about going back to school. Even
little things like what they would like in their school lunches can
start deeper chats
* Take time out for yourself.
* Get support from others if needed
* Do something fun together
* Put uniforms on hangers and visibly display in bedrooms
* Set up school bags and agree where the school shoes/bags are kept
after school
Night before:
* Check that uniforms/shoes/bags are where they should be
* Get children to help make their lunches
* Stay calm and relax. You can do it!
* Don’t forget to praise your child!