It’s looks likely that UK children will be back to school within the next couple of weeks. So how can you prepare them so that they go back to school feeling confidence and ready to learn?
Lockdown, online learning and time away from their friends will mean that most children will need a little extra support as they head back to school in a few weeks’ time. Even the most confident child may be anxious about getting back into the classroom.
The finishing line is definitely in sight for all students and over the next few weeks it’s your job as their parent to help prepare them so that they return with enthusiasm, excitement and confidence.
As an expert in child confidence, here are some little reminders of what you can do to help your child get ready for the first day back.
Recognise your own feelings, as well as theirs
One of the things I see consistently when working with children is how they are sponges! They absorb so much and take cues from those around them. By that I mean you. So it’s vitally important that you address how you’re feeling as we start our exit out of lockdown. Do you feel calm and prepared? Are you excited about getting back into the school routine? If so, great! Make sure that your child is feeding off your happy, positive vibes.
If you are feeling anxious about things, maybe don’t listen to the news in the morning. Chat to your child’s head of year to find out how they’re addressing safety precautions. Whatever it is you’re worried about, take actionable steps so that you feel at ease.
Start managing expectations now
Your child may be raring to go. Or they may feel more anxious about starting school, learning, and seeing their teachers and classmates. New routines, new faces, a new school day (away from you) is likely to create some emotion. So start talking to your child now about what they can expect during that first day, and those first weeks back. The more they know what to expect, the more confident they will feel and the worries will gradually ease.
See this time as a celebration so schedule some quality time together
You may be juggling working from home and home schooling so getting the kids back to school may be a huge relief to you (you’re not alone!). But before you pack them off, plan some extra family time in the next few weeks. Spend this time sharing positive experiences which will encourage optimism and enthusiasm. Spring is coming and it’s a time of new beginnings – Spring lambs, new buds growing, the sun warming. Share some moments savouring this time together whilst at the same time telling them how proud you are of them. Praise them whilst exploring and learning together.
Empower your child to make decisions
Whether it’s decisions about the time you’re going to spend together and the things you’re going to do, let your child take responsibility and ownership of some of those things. This will give them so much confidence and will work to build their self-esteem.
Start your new routine now
Now is the perfect time to get organised so start to settle into your new ‘back to school’ routine. Cut down on snacks throughout the day and set mealtimes so that your child is ready for break and lunch times once they’re back at school. Set boundaries around behaviour and screen time too so that they’re ready for the discipline of the school day. Needless to say, earlier nights and earlier mornings will also be so beneficial so start introducing them now.
Try not to make ‘school’ the end goal
As online schooling comes to an end, make plans for your child to do more independent things around the home (and empower them to decide what these things will be). It could be helping to make a meal, stacking the dishwasher or feeding the dog. Giving them some responsibility will teach your child to feel confident and useful from an early age. That confidence will go a long away in other areas of their life too.
Continue to talk
Finally, talk to you child on a regular basis. This is just as important now as it is when they return to school. These are still hard and frustrating times for everyone and some children learn to hide away their stress, anxiety and concerns which can result in anger issues further down the line. So as they head back to school, keep the conversation going, asking them how their day went, how they’re feeling. Perhaps picking the three best things that happened that day.
Here’s to a smooth transition back in the school routine. And remember, if you have any concerns or issues around confidence, self-esteem or anxiety in your child, I’d love to help you. Please do get in touch.
Nadine.
