Parenting toolbox: tips for a smooth back-to-school transition

Children all over the country are back at school, but after a long summer break, being back in the classroom can be tricky. Here are a few ideas to help smooth your children’s path from holiday to classroom in the first few weeks of this new school term.

Talk about the day

Talking to your children about any anxieties they might have can be an excellent way to smooth out bumps in the first few weeks. In a recent Herald on Sunday article parenting coach Agnes Sigley highlights talking to children about what they like best about school as a way of helping them to feel happy and positive about being back in the classroom.

Reset routines and good habits 

If a few rules have fallen over during the holidays, now’s the time to reset them. Some routines, like earlier bedtimes, might need to shift back gradually over the first week though. 

In her back to school survival guide Parenting Place coach Jenny Hale recommends ensuring your family is organised and ready before the school day. She suggests asking your child to set out an outfit and pack their school bag the night before.

Make learning at home fun

When your child has homework, your approach can really affect theirs. If they think their homework feels like a chore to you, chances are they’ll feel the same. Make a plan together. Talk about when they have the most energy and set a good time for getting homework done.

Give hugs

Getting ready for the school day can be stressful. Hugs can be a way of showing your love and support. Hale says sending children to school ‘with warmth and love’ helps them to thrive.

Help build friendships

Raising Children says it’s common for children to find it hard to make friends. If your child is feeling unsure about friendships, talking about it could help. Remind your child how to introduce themselves to others, talk about how to ask to join in and play and help them understand the rules of games they might want to try out.