How to prepare your child for a new school year.

How to prepare your child for a new school year.

The summer holiday often flies by. For many children, the end of the holiday also means the start of a new school year. Maybe your child is going to a new class, getting a different teacher or even moving to a new school. That can be exciting, but also fun.

With a few simple steps you can help your child start the new school year with confidence.

Return calmly to the school rhythm

During the holiday, a day often looks different than during a school week. It can therefore be nice to bring back some structure a few days before the first school day.

You can for example:

• let your child go to bed a little earlier again;
• get up at a fixed time;
• have breakfast together like on a school day.

This way the transition to the school rhythm is less big.

Talk about the new school year

Some children can’t wait to go back to school. Others find it exciting. Both feelings are very normal.

Ask for example:

• What are you looking forward to?
• Do you find anything exciting?
• Is there something you are worried about?

By talking about it, your child gets the space to share feelings. Especially listen well and try not to remove worries immediately. Sometimes it is already nice if a child feels heard.

Look ahead together

A new school year often brings changes. Think of a new teacher, different classmates or a new classroom.

If you already know who the teacher will be or which class your child is in, you can talk about it together. Is your child going to a new school? Then it can help to cycle or walk the route together once. That often makes the first school day less exciting.

Involve your child in the preparations

Choosing new school supplies can be a fun way to look forward to the first school day. Let your child think along about a lunch box, drinking cup or pencil case. That gives a feeling of involvement and often makes the start extra fun.

Keep the last holiday days relaxed

It is not necessary to fill the last holiday days completely with preparations. Just relaxing helps children to start the school year rested.

Take a trip, play a game together or read a book. This way you end the holiday in a nice way.

Is your child very tense?

A little tension before the first school day is very normal. Usually this disappears once the school year starts again.

If the worries continue or you notice your child experiences a lot of stress? Then it can help to contact the school before the first school day. Together you can discuss what your child needs to start with a good feeling.

Every start is different

Every child experiences the transition to a new school year in their own way. Where one is mostly curious, another needs a little more time to get used to it. With attention, calm and a listening ear you can help your child start the new school year full of confidence.