Back to School: A Fresh Start for Students and Parents

By Brendon Purchase

As summer winds down, the excitement and anticipation of a new school year begin to build. Whether your child is starting pre-school or heading into their final year of Leaving Certificate, the back-to-school season is a time of new beginnings, opportunities, and challenges. Here are some tips and insights to help make the back-toschool transition as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

General Safety

As the new school year approaches, ensuring your child’s safety is paramount.

Emergency Information

Make sure your child knows their phone number, address, and how to contact you or another trusted adult.

Stranger Danger

Teach your child not to talk to strangers or accept lifts from someone they don’t know.

First Aid Knowledge

Equip your child with basic first aid knowledge and ensure they know where to find the school’s first aid kit.

Safety Guidelines

Ensure your child knows and follows safety guidelines, both online and offline.

Establish and Discuss a Routine

A consistent daily routine can ease the transition back to school. Gradually adjust bedtimes and wake-up times a week or two before school starts. This helps children adapt to the new schedule and ensures they get enough rest. Talk about what the daily routine will look like, including after-school activities and any changes in schedules. This helps set clear expectations and reduces uncertainty.

Plan Ahead

Preparing in advance can make the transition smoother such as having outfits and backpacks ready the night before.

Organisation is Key:

Create a checklist of necessary items such as notebooks, pens, and backpacks. Setting up a dedicated study space at home can also help your child stay focused and organised throughout the year.

Speak Positively About the Change:

Children often mirror their parents’ attitudes. If you talk about the new school year with excitement and positivity, your child is more likely to feel the same.

Visit the School:

If possible, visit the school before the first day. Familiarising your child with the environment can reduce first-day jitters.

Managing Anxiety:

It’s normal for children to feel anxious about returning to school. Encourage open communication and listen to their concerns.

Manage Your Own Stress:

Children can pick up on their parents’ stress. Find ways to manage your own anxiety about the transition, and try to discuss any worries away from your child.

Supporting your Child when they are Reluctant to Attend School

School should be a happy, safe place for children, but it is not unusual for children to feel uneasy about going to school now and again. However, if your child begins to regularly experience strong feelings such as reluctance about going to school or have difficulty staying in school, it is important to notice this and respond quickly.

Actions You Can Take to Support your Child

• Recognise the signs of reluctant attendance and talk to your child’s school.

• Remain positive and manage your own feelings first.

• Acknowledge your child’s feelings, but calmly explain that they will pass.

• Have supportive conversations with your child.

• Implement routines that support attendance.

Advice for what to do at the early stage of reluctant school attendance.

• Remain calm.

• Check with your child to see if they can identify something in particular that is bothering them, while also being clear and firm that they need to go to school.

• Help your child to name the feelings they may be having, acknowledge that these feelings can be uncomfortable, but also let them know that you believe in their ability to cope with them.

• Ask for support from your child’s school. Let the school know about your child’s feelings and work with them to support your child together. School staff should be available to help you when a pattern or reluctance starts but before a cycle of avoidance begins.

Remember that preparation and a positive mindset can make all the difference. Embrace the opportunities for growth and learning, and support your child every step of the way. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling school year ahead!