YOU know that the return to school is imminent when ads for barbecues, ice pops and sunscreens are replaced with deals for uniforms and lunch-box fillers. For children, switching from lie-ins and lazy days back to a tightly scheduled routine can be difficult. With a little bit of planning (and patience!) there are a few things that can make the transition back to school a little easier all around. For children who are starting ‘big school’ for the first time, consider both the emotional and practical elements of that transition. Talk to them about their new school and routine a little every day, without making too much of a fuss about it. For example, talk about the new friends that they are going to meet or the fact that they will have their very own chair. Practice opening and closing their lunch box with them, taking on and off their own coats and work on their self-care skills (going to the bathroom and washing their hands independently). Even simple things like explaining what a bell is and why it rings will prepare them for the barrage of new things they will experience once they start school. The changeover from later summer bedtimes can have knock-on effects for the first month back at school (grouchiness, difficulty concentrating etc.). Try bringing bedtime back 15 minutes earlier every night for the days before school starts so your child’s body clock can adjust. Similarly, start reintroducing dietary habits in the last week and days before school returns. During the summer holidays children often play a little before breakfast and there is generally a more relaxed approach to mealtimes. Having breakfast shortly after waking will help young appetites adjust. We have a tendency to mourn the end of summer, which can result in almost demonising school. You would be amazed how much a positive outlook can influence how children react to the return to school. Talk about how lovely autumn is, and how it means seeing all their friends again, watching the leaves change colours and thinking about Halloween costumes. READ MORE: Kilmallock announced as finalist in Going for Gold 2024 A great morning starts with the night before so think about having lunches and uniforms prepared the night before. It will also provide you with enough time every morning for that much – needed coffee hit! This article was contributed by a member of Parenting Limerick. Parenting Limerick is a network of parenting and family support organisations. For more information on this and other topics go to www.loveparenting.ie. TOP TIPS FOR PARENTS Now Check in on how your child is feeling about school. Excited, anxious, nervous? Remember you don’t have to have all the answers. Just listen. If you qualify, apply for back to school allowance Buy books, uniforms and shoes and put them away safely Begin to introduce sleep, food and daily routines. Agree this together. Encourage your child to connect in with their pals Continue the chat with your child about going back to school. Even little things like what they would like in their school lunches can start deeper chats Take time out for yourself. Get support from others if needed Do something fun together Put uniforms on hangers and visibly display in bedrooms Set up school bags and agree where the school shoes/bags are kept after school Night before: Check that uniforms/shoes/bags are where they should be Get children to help make their lunches Stay calm and relax. You can do it! Don’t forget to praise your child!
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