Getting your child ready to go back to school

As the summer holidays wind down and the new school year approaches, preparing your child to go back to school might feel like a daunting task. Even the idea of the early morning alarm clock may rather be avoided! With a little planning and organisation, you can make the transition smooth and stress-free for all concerned. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you and your child get ready for the first day back.

Establish a routine early

During summer, routines often become more relaxed, but as school approaches, it’s important to reintroduce structure. Start by gradually adjusting bedtime and wake-up times to align with the school schedule. This helps your child’s body clock adjust, making those early school mornings less of a shock to the system. Incorporating regular mealtimes, activity sessions, bedtime routines and limiting screen time can also help set expectations for the school year.

Organise school supplies

One of the most exciting parts of going back to school is gathering new supplies. With your child, make a list of what’s needed, from notebooks and pencils to backpacks and lunchboxes. Shopping together (even if it has to be done online) can be a fun activity that builds excitement for the new school year and for those who may be anxious, it can build reassurance and confidence. Labelling supplies with your child’s name not only keeps things organized but also adds a personal touch which will reassure more than you can imagine.

Visit the school

If your child is starting at a new school, consider walking or driving what will be the route that will be taken in September. It's surprising how reassuring it can be to just look at the school gate or peer through a fence.

Discuss goals and expectations

Talk with your child about the upcoming school year. For older children, you can discuss academic goals, such as improving in certain subjects, and personal goals, like making new friends. For younger children, talk about creative projects, playtimes, friendships and broader learning. Encouraging a positive attitude can set the tone for a positive year. It’s also important to talk about any worries your child might have and work together to find solutions.

Extra tips

For children with additional needs, it can be helpful to use a calendar to visually ‘count down’ the days until school starts. If they struggle with textures of clothing, get them to try their uniform on in the days before the holidays end, so they can get used to it in advance. Talk to them about what they would like in their lunch or snack box. Create a step-by-step visual checklist/schedule for the first few days… include who is taking them to school and who is picking them up, and what will happen after the school day (the day is not only 9 am to 3.30 pm).

Prepare for the first day

Finally, make sure everything is ready the night before the first day of school. Lay out clothes, pack the school bag, and if necessary, prepare lunch. Before they go to bed, remind him or her how exciting it will be to see their friends and start learning new things.

Emma Puttock
Children’s Occupational Therapist