17 Aug Starting School – Our Top Tips For a Smooth Transition
September is in sight and with that comes the exciting new adventure of starting school.
It’s important to remember that many parents and carers feel anxious about this transition, but there are things you can do to ease the process for your child. Our team of childcare experts has some great tips to share with you.
Sleepy-heads
Firstly, establishing a good bedtime routine is vital for your child’s well-being. This provides structure and a sense of safety which can be especially important at times of change. You may find it helpful to ask your child questions about their day, such as “What was the best part of your day?” or “Did you find anything difficult today?” Encouraging open communication can help your child feel supported. A good bedtime routine could include a warm bath, teeth brushing, hair brushing, bedtime story, quiet games, and a darkened room with little distraction, however, each child is different so create a routine that suits your child, with the aim for them to be getting 10-13 hours of sleep per night.
Managing anxiety
If your child is feeling anxious about starting school, there are ways you can make the experience less stressful for them. One way to do this is by practicing the journey to school with them and helping them choose their new school essentials such as water bottles or backpacks. Another way to help boost their confidence is by teaching them practical skills like buttoning up their coat and other tasks they’ll need to do at school. You may also find it helpful to check out the resources provided by BBC Bitesize for ‘understanding the world’, and they also provide some fantastic materials for children of all ages.
If your child will be attending an after-school provision or will be looked after by someone new such as a childminder or Nanny, then arrange some time to introduce them to these new people. If a face-to-face meeting isn’t possible, try sharing a photo or arranging a virtual meeting. Familiarising your child with these new faces will help alleviate some anxiety.
Friendships
Additionally, arranging to meet up with other families whose children will be attending the same school can help your child build connections with peers before the start of term. You could organise a picnic or trip to a local park to give your child the chance to recognise familiar faces when they start school. Your child will not be the only anxious one, so grab a picnic and a football and get everyone together for some summer holiday fun.
Above all, providing positive support and reassurance for your child when they express their worries is key. It’s important for your child to feel heard and valued, so make sure to give them your undivided attention when they share their feelings with you.
The Freedom Care team wishes you and your child a smooth transition into the new school year and if you would like to learn more about our childcare services please visit us here.
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