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How parents can support their child’s return to school in St Neots and beyond

We have all seen the memes circulating of parent’s pure joy in schools going back.

After many weeks of learning from home, children across the UK are finally returning to school on Monday.

While weary parents may be glad to see the back of home-schooling, some children may find the transition from front room to classroom daunting.

After spending so much time dealing with the new home school life, it might prove challenging for young people.

Here are some back-to-school tips from the NSPCC and children’s mental health charity Place2Be.

Sleep Tight

  • If your routine slipped during lockdown (and let us face it, almost everybody’s did), readjust your child’s bedtime so that they’re not tired when you get them up for school.
  • If your child has a tablet or phone, make sure that they’re not using it close to bedtime as this will interfere with their sleep.
  • Exercise and fresh air aid a good night’s sleep, so if your child is experiencing broken sleep or is feeling anxious, get outside in the great outdoors.

Its highly likely they will be feeling excited for Monday so maybe use the weekend, starting tonight to help get them back into early nights.

We always use ‘three more sleeps’ ‘two more sleeps’ ‘one more sleep’ to get our boys ready for events like birthdays, Christmas and holidays. School is going to feel just as exciting, when they get to see their friends and teachers again.

Talk and Listen

  • Talk to your child about how and why some things at school such as lunchtime, playtime and PE, might be subject to different rules. Children are remarkably adaptable, but it’s worthwhile being upfront about the unusual situation in which we find ourselves.
  • If your child struggles to express themselves, encourage them to draw, paint or write about what’s on their minds. Putting our thoughts down on paper can have a soothing effect and help put things into perspective.
  • If returning to the classroom is making your child anxious, arrange to meet one of their friends from their class support bubble, on the way to school so that the two can chat before they get to the gates. Most likely, they’ll be so busy catching up with their friend that they’ll forget their nerves.

Advice and Support

  • If your child seems stressed, show them Childline’s Calm Zone and explore some of the relaxation tips, breathing exercises and games on offer. https://www.childline.org.uk/toolbox/calm-zone/
  • If catching up on lost lesson time is proving difficult for your child and you’re considering hiring additional support, read the NSPCC’s safety tips for hiring a tutor before you do anything.
  • Talk to a teacher or school counsellor if you feel concerned. Some parents feel embarrassed seeking mental health support for their child, but it’s okay to ask for help.

Charities That Can Help
The NSPCC
Place2Be
Childline

If you haven’t done so already, it might be worth while checking all uniform and school shoes still fit. We did a try on during the week and our eldest has shot up since December.

From us both, have a great weekend and take a moment for yourselves on Monday. You have all done an incredible job.

Barry & Laura

Copyright Butler Residential

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