Settle in for September

September... the feeling of fresh starts! Having worked in a school for over 10 years, September always feels more like a new year than 1 January. New pencils, school shoes and backpacks… and that’s just for the teachers! Now, I know that reality can also come with other emotions. All children deal with school life in different ways and, as a teacher, I want to reassure you that all feelings displayed by your child are normal and valid. Making new friends, being in a new classroom, being separated from you or generally having the confidence to be out there alone, showing the world the amazing person they are. It comes with a bang the day they return, or start, school and it can be hard to deal with if their emotions get the better of them. Below are five of my top tips (as a parent and a teacher) if your child needs a bit of reassurance with the newness of school life. a positive spin on their day/talk positively about the school then their perception will begin to change. (Just as a caveat to this tip, if you DO have an issue with the school try not to talk about this in front of your child or speak negatively, this will only increase their unease and generally make their feelings amplified.)

5. Remind them of your amazing experience with school

My daughter constantly asks me what I did at school and which subject I liked. This will help build a connection with you and their school experience. All children will face a wobble with school at some point in their life. Most will overcome

this in the early years when generally being away from their caregiver is too difficult for them. I do believe in the ‘rip the plaster’ theory here. Make drop off quick, positive and happy. Once parents are out of sight then the child can get on with their day quicker. Some have the wobble in later years when the work becomes challenging or they have friendship issues. All are normal and all are worthy of a sit down and reassurance. Communicate your concerns or worries with the school so they can provide support if they feel it is warranted. But also don’t feel disheartened if the school brushes it off… they may see a different side to your child at school and once they settle after the morning Settle in for September register all might be well with them. Trust By Aimee Hart @hart_at_home and communication go hand in hand with schools and the teachers will always have pastoral wellbeing at the forefront of their minds each day. No child is a carbon copy of themselves at both school and at home – every teacher will vouch for this after sitting down at parent’s evening talking about a child who is a class role model to be told they are a menace at home! Whatever your September pans out like, please remember that all emotions are valid and that children DO and WILL take time to settle (especially after a global pandemic.) Most importantly, trust the school to support your child through their struggles. At my school, mental health and wellbeing are part of our makeup and we have an amazing designated wellbeing champion who ensures good wellbeing all round (with a side of ABBA, obviously.) Seek someone out at your school who can provide even more invaluable information.

1. Remind them what they excel at

This may be something academic, or something extra-curricular but whatever that thing is, make sure they know it’s something they should be proud of.

2. Don’t worry if they come home and don’t want to talk about school

Sometimes the day has been so hectic and full on that reliving it all over again can take its toll. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t good!

3. Plan after school activities

This will give children who find separation difficult, something to look forward to while at school. Even better if you can organise an activity with other children from their class.

4. Talk about school in a positive way

It can be hard when children struggle to adapt to school life but if you always put