Parenting expert shares top tips for a smooth transition back to school for kids
As the summer holidays come to a close, parents will start to be thinking about getting their children ready to go back to school. The thought of ironing uniforms, packing lunchboxes and doing the school run can be a dread, but a parenting expert has shared her top tips for a smooth transition back to school.
Whether it's your first time preparing for your child to start school, or you're well refined in the back-to-school routines, mum-of-two Kirsty Ketley, 42, has shared her sure-fire way to get the kids – and yourself – prepped for heading back as the new term approaches.
The mum of two is a parenting expert and shares her best tips and tricks (Jam Press/Kirsty Ketley)
She shared her best tips for preparing your child for starting school (Jam Press/Kirsty Ketley)The Surrey-based mum regularly shares her parenting tips and tricks and has now shared how she will be preparing her two children, Ella, 10 and Leo, six for a seamless transition back to the school gates. The first thing she recommended is to re-introduce routines.
She advised: "Getting back into sleep and meal routines can be tricky, but you can try bringing bedtime back to 'normal' along with breakfast/lunch/tea in the week before. But if you are away, have nice things planned, or you are finding it tricky, don't worry as they will be so tired heading back to school that they will easily adjust.
There can be a lot to remember when preparing, from school uniforms and P.E kits to workbooks and homework, and it's inevitable some items will get lost, but to try and combat this from happening, the expert suggested labelling the uniforms and belongings so nothing can get lost in the mix up of all the other pupils.
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"Also, label, label, label! Make sure everything has your child's name on it, but do be careful that it is not visible from the outside - like their bag/lunch bag, which strangers may be able to see. The week before, check that you have everything your child needs so that if anything is forgotten, you still have time to get it. Check if your child had anything they were supposed to do over the holidays – a holiday diary, an 'All about me' form to fill in, or something from their holidays to take in to talk about," she advised.
And to make sure you don't forget anything, she suggested: "The night before, have their uniform and bags ready to go. If you forget at the end of the term, check your child's school bag for any snacks that might have been forgotten about. There's nothing worse than finding a mouldy banana or apple core as you go to pack their bag six weeks later!"
After a long summer, it is possible your child might be feeling apprehensive about going back. A change to a child's routine can increase anxiety, so it's important parents take this into consideration. Kirsty recommended: "If your child is anxious about returning to school or starting school, plan something nice for you to do with them after school in the first week, or on the weekend, that they can look forward to.
"Make sure your child is aware of what their routine is going to be – what time they need to leave the house, who is collecting from school, their route to school if they are taking themselves, which clubs they are doing and when and book after-school care if you need it. Try and get at least one playdate in with friends before returning, this can help ease any social anxiety your child may have."
It can be an especially worrying time for parents and children if they are starting school for the first time. She said: "If they are anxious or upset at saying goodbye, give plenty of reassurance, but don't hang about at the classroom door. A quick goodbye is best and let the staff help your child. You can always ring the school later in the morning, if you're really worried, to check how they are, but most children settle well in a matter of weeks.
"Your child will be a whole new level of tired! If they haven't fallen asleep at school (very common!) they might during their tea, so be prepared to move tea time and bedtime forward if you feel they are struggling. Even those who have been in full-time childcare can find school tiring, so try not to plan too much after school for the first few weeks. Having a snack handy at the school gates can help alleviate any after-school meltdowns and don't bombard your child with questions, they will talk about their day when they are ready."
It's not just children who will need to get used to their new routine, it can be hard for parents too. The expert added: "Navigating the school gates as a parent can be just like navigating school back in the day, trying to find where best you fit in and who will end up being your soul mate of the school gates. Firstly, show a smile to those around you, at least one will smile back, and potentially strike up a conversation with you.
"Look for a class Facebook page to join so that you can not only stay in the loop with what is happening but you can see who the other parents are. Don't be afraid of your child's teacher, they will be more than happy to answer questions, and give reassurance.
"Don't worry about your child not eating, drinking or using the toilet - school has a magical way of making these things happen and if their teacher is worried, they will soon tell you. Remember, the other parents are in the same boat as you, so don't judge a book by its cover and be the one who makes the first move into striking up a conversation."
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