Whether your child is starting school for the first time or returning after a break, it is natural for them to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. As parents, you know your child best – how they handle change, what comforts them, and what might make them nervous.
The good news is that with a little preparation and support, you can help them navigate this transition smoothly.
We’re sharing some practical tips to help make the return to school a positive experience for your child.
Preparation and routine
Start by involving your child in the preparation process and try and keep an open dialogue throughout. Don’t avoid asking how they’re feeling, even if they don’t seem too worried. It’s important to check in with them on how they feel about returning to school after the summer break or starting at a new one.1
Shopping together for school supplies or trying on their uniform – this can help give them a sense of control and excitement.
Getting to school – if your child feels nervous about new environments, practice the route to school beforehand to build familiarity. If they’ll be getting the bus, then walk with them to the bus stop, so they are confident in where to go.
Establishing a healthy sleep routine – ideally a few weeks in advance can be helpful. Adjust bedtimes and wake-up times gradually to reduce morning stress. If bedtime is a struggle, try calming activities like reading together or a warm bath.
>Explore our sleep hub for top tips for a good night's sleep.
Encourage open conversations about how they are feeling – if they express worries, reassure them that it is normal and praise them for sharing this with you.1
Try and set aside time each day to talk through any concerns. This daily check-in can help them feel supported and more confident.
Validating any worries and concerns
It’s important to validate any worries that your child may have. They might seem trivial and something you struggle to understand yourself but let them know it is normal and expected for them to feel unsettled. Particularly as they have been away from school for some time it’s ok to feel anxious.2
Have regular conversations to help lessen any anxiety and if there’s a recurring worry then talk through it together, mapping out what they could do to help tackle it. Work through the situation, writing it down if that’s helpful, and offer some ways they could perhaps think about it differently or what the outcomes could be.
Our article Dealing with anxiety in children has some helpful tips on how to help manage the anxiety and support your child.
Supporting emotional wellbeing
After school, ask about their day. Ask:
- what went well,
- what they learned,
- or what made them smile.
Highlight the positives, like seeing friends or exploring new subjects.
For children who miss home, a special object or a note in their lunchbox can provide comfort and remind them of your love.
Fostering open communication and providing emotional reassurance can significantly help reduce child anxiety. It is important to address emotional and social challenges during transitions, particularly when moving from primary to secondary school.
Transitioning to secondary school
The charity YoungMinds, advise to talk to your child about “how it will be different from primary – for instance bigger site, new people, changing teachers and rooms for subjects, more homework.”
They also emphasise that to help minimise the anxiety you should “reassure them that nerves about starting something new are normal, as is some sadness at leaving familiar things, and that these feelings usually subside.”3
Remember to be careful about imposing your own worries onto your child. Try and focus on the positives and the opportunities that secondary school can bring – new friends, new subjects and a chance for building independence.
A positive new beginning
The return to school or starting a new one can be a big adjustment for both you and your child, but remember, you are not alone. By taking these small, proactive steps, you are setting your child up for success.
This transition is not just about overcoming challenges, it’s an opportunity for growth, new friendships, and exciting experiences.
Together, you can turn this into a positive new beginning.
Article source: AXA Health’s Employee Assistance Programme
Further reading
Explore our children’s and young person’s health hub
References
- Getting your child ready for a new school term – Parent Talk
- Back to school: Tips to help your child feel prepared and supported – The Education Hub
- Talk about starting secondary school with your child – YoungMinds
