Coping with back to school stress

Starting a new school year after Covid-19 may mean both parents and children feel more anxious than usual. So how can we help our children go back to school feeling more happy and relaxed? Claire Winter speaks to some experts.

Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Dr Sarah Mundy from www. parentingthroughstories.com says it’s vital that we support our children to make sense of what we are calling the ‘new normal.’ She cautions against dismissing our kids’ emotions: “We need to support children to make sense of their feelings and the changes that the pandemic has caused. We need to normalise anxiety rather than dismiss it and help them (and parents and teachers) find ways of coping. Emotions are contagious so the more the adults and systems around children can model that they can cope, despite the uncertainty, the better.”

Evidence Based Parenting and Education expert, Dr Kathy Weston (www.drkathyweston.com) advises being positive about returning to school. If your child is worried remind them of:

The safety measures that the school has implemented; The things that can be controlled versus the things that can’t; The innovation in healthcare science that is helping us move towards eventual normality.

Other tips from Kathy include:

Provide a positive home learning environment; Use effective praise to motivate your child; Remember to be organised during the first few weeks of term; Ensure your child gets enough sleep!

Godstowe

Education specialist and author of ‘100 Things to Learn Before you are 10’ Gail Hugman (www.lessonsalive.com) says it’s important to check in with your child regularly. “Have a chat with them about how they are adapting to the new school routine and friendships. Is everyone glad to be back? Is there anything they like better? Is there anything they miss? Are they worried about anything? Is there anything they need to catch up on?”

In terms of school work, remind your child what was achieved during lockdown. “Actively talk to them about the progress they made (include maturity, self-control, confidence, new skills learned.) Remind them that the teacher also went through lockdown and isn’t expecting them to be perfect, just polite and well behaved!”

Finally, she suggests keeping a free evening each week for a ‘no expectations, no pressure’ night. “Films, games, popcorn - cosy things to relax the system and chill out!”

If you are worried, reach out to your child’s school. Remember though that learning how to cope with uncertainty will help build your child’s ability to cope with change in later life.

Next Open Morning Saturday 3rd October To book your place, please register online www.godstowe.org A happy and thriving day and boarding school for girls aged 3-1 3 and boys aged 3-7. Situated in leafy parkland just minutes from the M40 in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. An unrivalled academic reputation and non-selective entry.