Change champions!
Starting at primary school can be a big change. Some children will embrace the change and settle straight into the new routine smoothly, or some children may find it slightly harder and need a little bit of support – and that’s ok!
Top tips:
- Establish a good morning and bedtime routine for your child: start doing this in the weeks before term starts, so doing the school run will feel less daunting
- Try and get everything ready the night before: mornings can be a bit of a rush, especially if your child is tired
- Your child may like having a visual timetable: this will break down instructions and help your child to understand the morning routine and the process of getting ready – for example socks on, underwear on, skirt on and top on
- Keep your routines and boundaries consistent: your child’s behaviour may change once they start school, such as being clingy, argumentative or lethargic – this is common, as they are going through a big change and learning lots of new things and behaviours, so give them time to adjust to the new phase in their life
- Try not to bombard your child with lots of questions about their day: let your child tell you in their own time, and if they are reluctant or unable to tell you ask, their class teacher or teaching assistant
- Plan a ‘quiet time’ each evening: these moments can help your child to mentally relax from the day, and are often the time they may share what they have done during the day or if they have any worries
- Be mindful that it is okay to feel nervous and upset too: as the adult, express to your child all the exciting things they will get to experience, acknowledge their worries, and share coping strategies
- Let your child settle into their new school routine before introducing extra clubs after school: maybe try and keep the first few weekends quiet too, as they may need time to recharge – the school day is very busy and all the new experiences can be very tiring for your child
- Speak to your child’s class teacher if you have any concerns about your child: communication between the school and parents is really important as concerns can be easily resolved together
