Supporting Back to School

Anxiety

It's that time of year! Back to school.
Is your child or young person nervous about going back to school?

With the first day of school fast approaching we understand that your children and young people may have some fear and anxiety around returning to school after the long summer break.

To help handle back to school jitters we had a chat with our Supervising Social Workers to find out their top tips on supporting back to school anxiety.

Separation Anxiety Tip

"One idea which I have used in the past for children struggling at times to manage separation from carers and I think for some children this may become apparent when they return to school after such a long time off.

The child and carer can cut out a heart shape from something, either paper or material and each keeps one throughout the day. The child is told whenever they feel they are missing home or missing the carer, they can hold the heart and know the carer will be holding theirs close. This doesn’t have to be a heart, it could be anything that the child relates to.

The idea is the carer and child have a shared item so the child knows the carer will miss them too but they can hold the heart and think of the other until its home time."

Making the First Day Easier

Take a look below at some more of our top tips!

1. Re-establish a routine

Go through the routine of what will happen when you go back to school, maybe even physically do the journey to remind your child about school.

2. Reassure

Reassure them that it is OK to feel nervous and worried - everyone does.

3. Listen

Listen - try to hear what they are worried about.

4. Be Prepared

Get things ready in advance like their uniform, shoes and bag.

5. Check-in

Check-in with them to see how they are feeling. Their emotions may change regularly and a calming, proactive conversation may help to ease them.

6. Visualise

Visualise going to school and discuss stories they have of their friends, fun activities they've experienced and memories of their teachers.

7. Speak to teachers

If possible consider contacting the school to ask for a video call with the teachers.

8. Create a worry box

Create a worry monster or a worry box - where they can write their worries, then put them in and forget them.

9. Get a plan jar

Get a 'hope' or 'plan' jar and each time they think of something to do after school they can put the idea in a jar then each day they come home they get to pick out the jar.

10. Don't put pressure on yourself

The transition can take some time and there might be ups and downs along the way. Make sure you are taking steps to care for yourself and seek support if you need it.