Having spent so much time at home some children may find the
transition from front room to classroom daunting. So, in preparation for
next week’s return of children to school throughout England the NSPCC
and mental health charity Place2Be have produced some ‘back to school’
tips which you may find useful.
Sleep tight
- If
your routine slipped during lockdown 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’s Calm
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 the NSPCC’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.
From the team at Martin & Co, stay safe and take care.
