A parenting coach has revealed her foolproof way to ensure a smooth transition as children head back to school next week – particularly for new starters.
It can be daunting for parents and children alike as the summer holidays close to an end this week, but expert Heidi Skudder is on hand to help ease the change.
The 38-year-old Londoner has shared her top five tips to follow this weekend ahead of the return to classrooms next week.
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“The first few weeks of starting school is a time of lots of emotion and lots of ‘firsts’,” Heidi, a mum of three herself, told What’s The Jam.
“The easier and smoother that journey can be for your child then – hopefully – the better foot the school year gets off to.”
FAMILIARITY:
Ahead of the return to school, Heidi recommends familiarising your child with as much of the school experience as you can – particularly for new starters, or if it’s a new school altogether.
She said: “Children feel more familiar with new experiences when they have already heard about them, talked about them and maybe even familiarised themselves with parts of that new experience – and this couldn’t be more true for starting school.
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“Try the walk or drive to school in advance of starting, not only does that help you as parents understand how long it’s going to take to get to school, but it also then helps your child see the route and feel more at ease with it on the first day.
“You can also show your child photos of the school online and many school websites will have video footage/tours which you can watch together and talk about too.”
ROLE-PLAY:
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Next, the parenting coach recommends engaging in role-play with your child to help prepare them over the weekend for the coming change.
Heidi said: “Role play is a wonderful way for your child to learn new things, and that could include starting school too.
“There are some parts of the first few days of school that may look or feel different to nursery or home life: for example, lining up in front of the teacher, or sitting and listening on the mat.
“You can practise these things at home through role play; try role-playing schools yourself or even use some of their favourite figurines and toys to play schools with.
“At first they may not want to join in or just be intrigued, but imaginative play can aid towards a smoother transition into starting school.”
TALK, TALK, TALK:
Equally important, according to Heidi, is open communication between you and your child.
She said: “Talking is everything and connection with your child both before school starts, and in those first few weeks will help them become open and to be able to tell you more about their first few days/weeks back at school too.
“Think about times when your child will tell you more about their day; this is often over dinner, or as you go to tuck them into bed and see these as times for increased connection.
“Slow down that bedtime routine and ask them questions that are likely to start a conversation.
“School-age children often don’t do as well with direct questioning like ‘What did you do today?’, but they may respond to you telling them about your day, for example ‘I felt really cross today when someone said this to me – have you felt cross or upset today?’
“Remember that when you’ve had a busy or full-on day, the last thing you need is to get home and for someone to be firing questions at you.
“You need time to decompress and it will be no different for your child either, but building in some slower times for conversation and connection will be crucial to helping those first few weeks go by as smoothly as possible.”
PREPARATION:
Next, Heidi suggests being as prepared as possible ahead of the first day, or first day back, so as not to pass on any unnecessary stress.
She said: “Shopping for uniform last minute is part and parcel of the last week of the summer holidays, but if you have managed to do this in advance then this can make for a more smooth sailing start to the term.
“Shoes often need wearing in and collars feel hard and crunchy until they’ve been washed a few times.
“Preparation can really help your child feel more comfortable in their new clothes and this may include a few run-throughs of putting on their uniform too.
“No one wants to be fighting through the process of getting dressed on the first few days so again preparation is key in making sure that your child feels comfortable and happy with what they need to wear.”
TEACHERS:
Finally, the parenting coach advises making your child’s new teacher an active part of daily life – referring to them casually to get your child acclimatised.
Heidi said: “Your child’s new teacher is going to be such a huge part of their life, but is also a totally new person who they have never really spent time with before.
“This means that it will take some time to get used to them.
“Try mentioning their name throughout the daytime and asking your child what they think their teacher’s favourite colour is, what breakfast could be, and any other possible questions about their new teacher, without overdoing it.
“Much the same as having a new baby, this gentle introduction can help no end to feeling like they already know something about their new teacher – which can only be a bonus for starting school in September.”
The parenting expert added: “Remember, though, that if your child is struggling and finding it difficult, there is so much you can do to both support them at home and within school.
“Reach out to your class teacher or head to find out how else you can support your child.
“Teachers are pros at settling small children into school and they will absolutely be there to have their back.”
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