Now that summer is ending and the month of September begins, there are many families looking for the best way to get back to their routine. There are many ways to make going back to school less stressful, both for parents and for the little ones in the house.
To do this, we will always have to try to generate the best possible environment for everyone. However, there are some “universal” tips that can provide us with a lot of help, especially in the very exceptional situation that we have been presented with in recent years.
How to face going back to school?
The objective of all these guidelines is to mentally prepare the family for the return to school. We must keep in mind that we must study very well the attitude and the problems that could arise. If we consider that we need it, we have to turn to a qualified professional to help us.
Family talks
It is important that, whether it is the first year of school or if the child is already accustomed to the institution, parents dedicate a little time to having a > conversation with them about the return to school. To send the right message, the positive part of this return for children should be emphasized: the reunion with their friends, all the new materials and subjects, the extracurricular activities they could opt for, that healthy nervousness about the new course…
We must work hard on motivation, on encouraging the desire to go and start. In case the boy or girl seems insecure about the difficulties that he or she might have, it is good that we support him and encourage him .
During the development of the course, this communication channel must be kept open, so that the child can express all his or her concerns and problems. /strong>.
This entire situation, and its consequent explanation, must be adapted to the ageand situation of the boy or girl. With the little ones, parents can use stories and metaphors to exemplify very clearly what they really want to convey to them.
Daily routines and schedules
A highly recommended routine is to prepare the material that will be used the next day at school the night before. We can also help the boy or girl prepare their study space. The goal of this space is for you to focus and feel comfortable during homework and home learning sessions.
We should not be afraid to maintain discipline in these routines, unless we notice something unusual in the child (mood changes, low spirits…).
- Schedules: To reassure the child and improve their organizational capacity and adaptation to this new routine, parents can carry out a schedule. It can include classes, extracurricular activities, study time, or even the screen hours that they can enjoy once classes start.
- Sleep routine: Before the start of classes, it is advisable to accustom the child’s sleep schedule to the one used throughout the school year. We can set a time to go to bed, and gradually advance the time, and the same with the time to wake up strong>. Thus, when the first day of school arrives, the child will have rested adequately.
Parental behavior during back to school: positive thinking and calm
In these times when everything is in constant change due to concerns about COVID, it is important to stop thoughts related to an uncertain future. >, and focus on living in the present, to avoid the appearance of anxiety symptoms.
Many parents are dismayed about going back to school, but they should not transmit those concerns to their children. This way, the child will not develop a negative attitude towards school.
The best way to face this change is patience, affection and tranquility: not raising your voice, projecting calm and being available with others. little ones.
Children, in the end, learn from their parents’ behavior, and therefore, they must see that their parental figures are really motivated, eager, and happy to begin. a new stage.
Adaptation to school
Especially for the little ones, going back to school cangenerate anxiety and fear. To avoid this, for example, we can visit the school a few days before, explaining to them what the use of each classroom is, what they are going to do in them, what the start of the course would be like…
It is also highly recommended to not extend the farewells, so that the little ones do not suffer so much from the separation.
If you cannot accompany them, you should explain it to them in the best way possible, and try to spend a little more time with him or her the previous afternoon. >. We should not convey feelings of anguish or guilt.
Back to school process: preparation of the material
It is very important that parents participate in the return to school, making, for example, the preparation of school supplies become a pleasant activity. strong>. Involving the child in all this will mentalize him, helping him to assume certain responsibilities and adapt to the school environment. In addition, prior preparation will also avoid stress and nerves, and the little one will feel more excited about starting classes.
Other recommendations for back to school
During the course of the school year, we must maintain a healthy and positive attitude, but without losing interest and attention > in relation to the little ones.
Time management
After the start of classes, it is very good for the child to learn to balance homework and free time, and even add extracurricular activities if they exist. We can alsourge the child to read, or pay attention to their interests to be able to advise them, for example, on a hobby.
Task assignment
For the boy or girl to feel included in the family, it is important to make him or her responsible for her things (for example, her school supplies). These responsibilities or tasks should be increased progressively to help develop the individuality of the little ones.
Attention to details
For many children and adolescents, going back to school is not always positive, especially if they have self-esteem or problems with social relationships. Throughout the course, you must pay special attention to the manifestations of your emotions and/or attitudes. It is important to reserve a moment in your daily routine to talk about how the day went, or to discuss any concerns that may arise.
If the child has a very negative attitude, sadness, mood changes, or anxiety, you should Communicate with him and have the help of a professional if necessary.
Although it is normal (mainly in younger children) that, during the first days, the child cries or becomes distressed, it is not considered normal for This behavior extends beyond the first week, or occurs from the age of seven. If this occurs, you should contact a professional.
Control of free time
Although it is necessary to combine different types of activities, there are currently two main problems to take into account regarding the use of free time by the small ones: firstly, the control of time and content consumed through screens (mobile phones, computers, tablets, television…); and secondly, the need for physical exercise, trying to encourage it and incorporate it into the routine.
