How to Banish Back-to-School Nerves

In this two-minute read,
we look at how parents in Kent can help their children adjust
to being back in the classroom.

After many long and draining weeks of learning from
home, children across the UK are finally returning to school.

While weary parents may be glad to see the back of
homeschooling, some children may find the transition from front room to
classroom daunting.

After spending so much time at home, dealing with
the hurly-burly of school life might prove challenging for young people.

Here are some back-to-school tips from the NSPCC and
mental health charity Place2Be.

Sleep tight

• If your routine slipped during
  lockdown (and let’s face it, almost everybody’s did), readjust your
  child’s bedtime so that they’re not tired when you get them up for school.
• If your child has a tablet or
  phone, make sure that they’re not using it close to bedtime as this will
  interfere with their sleep.
• Exercise and fresh air aid a good
  night’s sleep, so if your child is experiencing broken sleep or is feeling
  anxious, get outside in the great outdoors.

Talk and listen

• Talk to your child about how and
  why some things at school – such as lunchtime, playtime and PE – might be subject
  to different rules. Children are remarkably adaptable, but it’s worthwhile
  being upfront about the unusual situation in which we find ourselves.
• If your child struggles to
  express themselves, encourage them to draw, paint or write about what’s on
  their minds. Putting our thoughts down on paper can have a soothing effect
  and help put things into perspective.
• If returning to the classroom is
  making your child anxious, arrange to meet one of their friends on the way
  to school so that the two can chat before they get to the gates. Most
  likely, they’ll be so busy catching up with their mate that they’ll forget
  their nerves.

Advice and support

• If your child seems stressed, show
  them Childline’s Calm Zone and explore some of the
  relaxation tips, breathing exercises and games on offer.
• If catching up on lost lesson
  time is proving difficult for your child and you’re considering hiring
  additional support, read the NSPCC’s safety tips for hiring a tutor before
  you do anything.
• Talk to a teacher or school
  counsellor if you feel concerned. Some parents feel embarrassed seeking
  mental health support for their child, but it’s okay to ask for help.

Charities that can help

The NSPCC

Place2Be

Childline

From the team at CWB Property, stay safe and take
care.