Difficulties Returning to School: Tips and Insights
The transition back to school after a break can be challenging for children and young adults. Whether they're transitioning from a long summer holiday or adapting to a new school year, the return to school can bring about various emotions and difficulties. In this blog, we'll explore some helpful hints and tips for parents to support their children during this transition, as well as address separation anxiety for younger ages.
Tips for Parents & Carers:
Open Communication: Start by having open and honest conversations with your child. Ask them how they're feeling about returning to school, what they're excited or worried about, and if there's anything specific on their mind. Encourage them to express their emotions and concerns.
Create a Routine: Establishing a daily routine can help children feel more secure and prepared. This includes setting regular bedtimes, meal times, and allocating time for homework and relaxation. Predictability can provide a sense of stability.
Get Organised: Help your child organise their school supplies and prepare their backpack the night before school. This can reduce the morning rush and minimise stress.
Visit the School: If your child is starting at a new school, arrange a visit before the first day. Familiarising them with the school environment can alleviate anxiety.
Reconnect with Friends: Arrange playdates or meetups with school friends outside of school. Supporting or rekindling these connections can help your child feel more at ease if they have friends they to look forward seeing.
Discuss Expectations: Talk to your child about what they can expect in the upcoming school year. Discuss their goals, both academically and socially, and support them in setting realistic expectations.
Be Supportive: Offer reassurance and encouragement. Let your child know that it's okay to feel nervous or unsure, and that you're there to support them through any challenges.
Separation Anxiety in Younger Children:
Younger children, particularly those in preschool or early primary school years, may experience separation anxiety when returning to school. Here are some additional tips for parents of younger kids:
Gradual Transition: If possible, ease your child into the school routine by starting with shorter days and gradually increasing the time spent at school.
Quick Goodbyes: When saying goodbye, keep it short and sweet. Lingering goodbyes can make separation anxiety worse. Reassure your child that you'll be back to pick them up. It’s hard, but often very helpful.
Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate their accomplishments. Praise them for being brave and trying new things at school.
Lastly,
Comfort Objects: Allow your child to bring a comfort object, like:
A favourite soft toy, photo, to school
A Gemstone that they can keep in their pocket, and rub when worried and anxious
Draw little matching hearts or smiley faces on your arms so they have a connection to you still in mind having the same thing to think positively about
Special pen or pencil they can use at school and you have a matching one
Little worry dolls or pocket hugs. From pet pebbles, to little angel figures, lots of varieties online or in shops.
Having a familiar item can provide comfort in a new environment.
Ahoy! Pirate Day
Ahoy, me hearties! Talk Like a Pirate Day 2023 is almost upon us, and it’s time to brush up on your pirate lingo and get ready to set sail on the high seas of fun and adventure.
Talk Like a Pirate Day is an annual holiday that falls on September 19th and encourages people to talk like pirates for the day. It all started in 1995 when two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers, began using pirate slang while playing racquetball. The idea caught on, and the holiday has since become a global phenomenon.
To celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day, all you need is a little bit of pirate swagger, a Hearty Arrr! or two, and some fun pirate phrases to sprinkle into your daily conversations.
Here are a few examples to get you started:
Ahoy, matey! - Hello, friend!
Shiver me timbers! - An expression of surprise or astonishment!
Walk the plank! - A punishment for disobedient crew members!
Avast, ye scallywags! - Pay attention, you rascals!
Thar she blows! - A phrase used to announce the sighting of a whale!
But Talk Like a Pirate Day isn’t just about having fun with pirate slang. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of pirates and their way of life.
Did you know that pirates had their own code of conduct, known as the Pirates Code, that included rules on sharing booty, treating prisoners, and resolving disputes? So, gather your crew and set sail for adventure on Talk Like a Pirate Day 2023.
Whether you’re singing sea shanties, swapping tales of treasure, or engaging in a little friendly swordplay, let your inner pirate shine and have a swashbuckling good time!
Talk Like a Pirate Day is a fun and light-hearted time that encourages us to embrace our inner pirate and enjoy a day of adventure and merriment. So, don your eye patch, hoist the Jolly Roger, and let the pirate speak flow!
About Teenage Mental Health (TMH)
At Teenage Mental Health, we understand that returning to school can be a challenging time for children and young adults. That's why we've been hard at work preparing for the return of school, ensuring that we can provide the necessary support. Our team is here to assist those in need.
If you or your child require support with mental health challenges related to the return to school or any other concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Visit our website at http://www.teenagementalhealth.co.uk to learn more about our services and how we can help. We're here to support you and your family on your mental health journey.
Ask A Therapist
Womble wants to know what questions you would ask a therapist if you had the chance? Or Is there a general topic we could write a blog on? You can email your questions or topics to womble@teenagementalhealth.co.uk and Womble will ask the clinical team to respond in the next newsletter.
Bookmarks
We have been celebrating distributing over 60000 of our FREE bookmarks to schools and children’s services in and near Suffolk.
To view these and to find out how to request these for your organisation, view our Home Page and scroll to the bottom.
