Two years on from the pandemic, here's how to help your child transition back to school
By Eliescha Bazley|
Transitioning your kids back to school has always been hard, but after two years riddled with lockdowns and remote learning, there's a strong chance that the school year might be a shock to your child's system.
As we shift from the seemingly endless summer holidays towards a structured academic year, the change can be met with trepidation. This will be especially true for younger children who haven't yet experienced a full year at school.
For children headed to 'big school', things can be even more challenging. They've suddenly got to tackle new academic subjects, timetables and learning the names of a dozen new teachers.
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The switch to high school requires emotional resilience, self-awareness, self-management, and new social skills. Then to top it all off, this transition happens right when many students are entering puberty.
New school rules related to the pandemic, including changes to drop-off and pick-ups, social distancing and masks makes it even harder for kids to settle in. As a result, even the most studious children are protesting school's return.
Thankfully, as parents, we have the power to help ease those back-to-school blues. Here are some tips to help them acclimatise.
Start by building back routine
Routines can help establish normalcy and will help your kids feel settled before the new school year begins. Building back morning and bedtime routines a week or so before school starts can make the world of difference.
A 'before school routine' might mean them packing a bag for that day's activities and dressing themselves, while a regular bedtime routine means providing your child with the consistency and predictability that they'll experience during the school term. Try limiting screen time in the hour before bed, packing school bags, laying out uniforms and reading a bedtime story.
For children headed to high school, consider setting up a 'day in the life of a high schooler' at home where your child can act out following a timetable, perhaps getting up and changing seats or rooms for each 'lesson', and practising note taking and planning homework in a diary.
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Emphasise the positive
Your child may be mourning the end of their summer break, but no child can deny the joy that new things can bring. If your kid seems glum about returning to school, change their perspective by focusing on the positive.
The most obvious motivator is new stationery, books and clothes. More so, talk about how a new year will bring new students and timetables so they'll have the opportunity to make new (and of course, reconnect with old) friends. Encourage your child to be open to trying new things, even if it might feel scary at first.
Keep an open dialogue with your kids from day one
Create a strong culture of communication early and consistently. Students will experience a range of emotions during their return to school, so make sure to reassure them that whatever they feel is completely normal - especially if they're starting a new school.
A little empathy goes a long way, so check in with your child often. As hard as we try to prepare our little ones for the new school year, it won't be uncommon for young ones to encounter a bout of frustration, fear or anxiety and so, it's crucial to foster a habit of open communication from the first day of school. This will help your child feel comfortable sharing their concerns with you. Listen to their concerns without judgment and offer assistance when you can.
If your child has older siblings, ask them to share some tips and tricks and answer any questions your younger one may have. Hearing stories from those who have already gone through the experience can be powerful.
If your child is still struggling with anxiety about going back to school, ClickView has free video resources available to help students manage their wellbeing, build confidence, and understand their anxiety.
Eliescha Bazley has been an education specialist for over 10 years and has worked closely with classroom teachers, Librarians, IT Directors, Executive Teams, and Principals to achieve best practice strategies for e-learning in Australian and New Zealand schools.
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