Back to School

Back to School Get back into a routine Most children prefer some level of routine. Your child may have been going to bed later recently, not Many children are going back to school in September, showering as often and having more screen time. some for the first time in months, and it’s natural Help them adjust to a more structured routine over a for them to feel a bit anxious about starting a new couple of weeks. school year. Make sure they get enough sleep Prepare your child Work towards returning children to an earlier If your child hasn’t gone back to school yet, find bedtime, including at weekends. Children need more out what will be different compared to before the sleep than adults – six to thirteen year olds can need pandemic. Explain to your child what to expect. up to eleven hours of sleep a night. Younger children may benefit from acting out some Mindfulness and meditation things at home, such as keeping their distance when Mindfulness and meditation can help children and queueing. Clinical psychologist Dr Emma Millar adults to feel calmer and more in control. Older recommends asking if the school can “take pictures children might benefit from Headspace’s guided or videos of the changes so your child knows what to meditations. For younger children, try the ‘Sitting Still expect, as that will aid the transition process.” Like a Frog’ book and CD by Eline Snel.

Talk to your child More information

It’s important children know they can talk to you ‘Helping your Child with Fears and Worries’ by Cathy about their concerns. Some like to have your full Creswell and Lucy Willetts is worth reading. The book attention while others prefer it when they don’t is packed with practical advice on helping children to need to make eye contact, such as when you’re deal with fears, worries and anxiety, and isn’t written driving or cooking. Recognise that you can’t ‘solve’ like a medical textbook! their concerns, but you can discuss coping strategies. The following websites have useful resources: If your child doesn’t want to talk, try reading • www.camhs-resources.co.uk together and talking about how the character feels in • www.youngminds.org.uk/blog/supporting-a-childdifferent situations. returning-to-school-after-lockdown

Encourage excitement Extra support

Don’t forget to talk about the positives of returning All children feel anxious and worried sometimes. to school, such as seeing friends and playtime. However, up to 15% of children experience anxiety Dr Emma Millar says, “Discuss what they’re excited disorders, which can stop them enjoying day-to-day about. Children pick up on how we’re feeling, so if life and lead to more long-term issues. So don’t be you remain calm and positive about them returning afraid to ask for help: your child’s school may be able back to school, then that will really help them to feel to offer advice, or your GP may be able to refer them reassured.” for extra support. By Kate Duggan 12 Please mention The Villager and Town Life when responding to adverts