We’ve come up with a few back-to-school tips for families like ours. Some may be helpful, some may not apply to your family, but let’s take 5, before we head back to school, and breath!
- We make a list of everything the children will need when they go back to school. Clothing, stationery, bags, lunch boxes etc. It’s good to any shopping, in advance if you can, buying on line can be less stressful than trips to the shops. Limiting actual shopping trips to the essential, like shoes! Once you have everything on the list, label anything that needs your child’s name on it and store them safely out of sight, or keep them visible, but safe, if your children are reassured by this.
- Chat with your children during the holidays about school, mentioning it naturally in conversation. Most people like to be prepared for things, talking about changes can help alleviate some anxiety, and give opportunities to share worries. Try to convey the positives of starting a new school year or term and remind children about last term a any any visits they’ve already made to their new classroom. Remind them that the old classroom will no longer have familiar people in it, as everyone is moving, so going back there is not only impossible but also not really the best idea!
- If bedtimes have got later and mornings more relaxed, aim to get back into ‘school’ routine a few days before you have to. Plan the family’s morning, allowing plenty of time for breakfast. Provide alarm clocks for those (including adults!) who will benefit.
- Chat with your children about the school day routine. If there will be homework to do, build it into the late afternoon/early evening to fit in with any other activities. Remember that some children need ‘down’ time between school and homework but others like to get it done straight away (so we are told!)
- Buy a family organizer calendar with a column for each family member ( adults may have to share a column or have a separate calendar if there aren’t enough columns, giving spare columns to family pets, or relations!) These calendars are especially helpful for siblings of additional needs children because, through having their own column, they can see that their lives and activities are significant and important.
- Get school clothing ready the night before and place school stuff in bags by the door before bedtime – always good to aspire to this one!
- Check that you have filled in any forms, on line or paper, for school, make sure the contact numbers are up to date and that those people are still available to be contacted! If possible, allow time to talk with teachers and support staff in the first week of term, stress that you are happy to be available and encourage information flow. Try to do this for each of your children, whether they have additional needs or not.
- Be positive, but honest, with your children about school and the people in it. Explain that things may not always happen as we would like, and that it may sometimes be necessary for you to speak to school staff to sort out issues, but reassure them that everyone wants the best for them.
- Children are often interested in what you will be doing without them, will they be missing out? Don’t make it sound too exciting!
- It is tempting to plan a really busy week for yourself once the schools are back, but the first week back (never mind the week before!) can be physically and emotionally exhausting for everyone. If possible, remember to take 5 for yourself where you can, that way, everyone in the family will benefit!
A version of the article was originally written for www.careforthefamily.org.uk/additionalneeds
