5 ways to support your child in returning to school

It’s that time of year when children will be beginning to return to school. This can be an anxious time for some, but given the current situation with COVID-19 it is likely to be a more testing time than usual.

Here are 5 tips to help make your child’s transition back to school as smooth as possible.

Talk about the ‘new normal’

With recent guidance being updated and face coverings becoming mandatory in many school communal areas. Wearing a mask may be something new for your child and they will need to be supported and encouraged with this. It is important to also mention the other elements to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which should be followed as well as wearing a face covering, such as regular handwashing and social distancing. The more open the conversation around this, the easier it will be for your child to take this all on board. Unicef has released a useful article on wearing a mask, with tips for families, you can read this here. The University of Rochester also has some useful tips for mask-wearing for children with needs.

You can never be too prepared and organised

Returning to school at the start of a new school year, there can be lots to organise. Make sure you know what resources your child may need. This could include any uniform changes, new equipment, and just ensuring that all the resources your child needs to have a successful day at school are in place.

Help your child stay organised with what they may need on different days. Encourage them to take ownership by getting them involved in the process. Create fun checklists, timetables and clearly label items to make this as easy as possible for your child.

Children with ADHD need to have a consistent routine. This ensures that they know what to expect and helps to keep them focussed. A good morning routine will help to ensure that your child is calm prior to starting school, setting the tone for the day ahead. Equally an after school routine is just as important. This may include some downtime or homework study time.

Work together with your child’s teacher

By working closely with your child’s teacher, you can ensure that there is consistency in place between home and school, making for a smoother transition. If you know what your child’s school timetable is then you can help to prepare them for the day ahead, ensuring they are organised in advance and know what to expect.

Having good communication strategies in place with your child’s school will give you a better insight into how they are at school, and areas where they may need additional support, either at school or at home.

Continue being supportive at all times

As well as building good relationships with your child’s teacher, it is also important to maintain a good relationship with your child too. Be sure to encourage, support and listen to them. Praise their achievements and provide them with that stability if they require support.

Never forget time for fun

All work and no play, is no fun for anyone, especially a child. So it is important to get the balance right between school and home, so they can have time to enjoy other aspects of life.