How To Prepare Your Children For School…

I know that the school holidays have officially only just started, and September may seem a while away…but those months will quickly turn into weeks, which will turn into days, and before you know it, it’s time to start school.

Whether your little one is making the big transition from nursery to reception, moving schools or just going up a year group, you can never prepare them too soon.

With Covid and everyone having to stay at home, I’ve seen more and more children having separation anxiety than ever before, and that’s okay! To them, they have spent more time at home than at school and living their normal life, so they don’t really know any different. Let’s not forget us adults can suffer from separation anxiety too. Letting your little one go into a full time education is a huge step for everyone involved. So, here are my top tips to help prepare all involved for the big day ahead…

Uniform…

You may feel like buying the school uniform now is a little premature seeing as they’ve only just got out of it. However, buying it early gives you lots of time to buy the sizes you want, and get it tagged so it doesn’t end up in the dreaded lost property pile!

Shoes…

These I’d leave till a little closer to September if possible. Nothing worse than forking out hard earned money on shoes for your child’s feet to have grown and they no longer fit!

Friends…

Hopefully your child may now one or two familiar faces in their class, but this doesn’t mean it won’t be daunting! Get hold of the class list and organise as many playdates as you can over the summer so that your child feels more confident walking into school knowing who will be their classroom peers.

Walk by…

If they’re off to a new school take a few drive by’s or walk by’s so the place they are about to spend the majority of the year becomes more familiar to them.

Comforts…

Some schools don’t allow your children to take any additional things in such as a home comfort due to Covid. Or they may not feel comfortable taking anything in. Spray a little bit of your perfume on the sleeve of their jumper or shirt and then you’ll be with them all day long. Alternatively, draw half a heart on your hand, and the other on theirs, so they know you’re always with them throughout the day.

Confidence…

Build up your child’s confidence over the summer holidays and refresh their memory with some simple number, writing and letter activities. These don’t have to be hours long and full on, they can be done playing games both in and out of the house. The summer holidays are long (not that you’ll needing reminding of this…!) however I always think It’s good to top up your little ones development. Games such as Uno are a great one for numbers. Writing out a shopping list for the supermarket to practice that letter formation, or even reading as a family can do wonders for them.

Drop Off…

Walk in with confidence. If you do, they will to. Children vibe off of you, so whatever you’re vibing, they will be too! Drop and go with confidence. If you hang around like a nervous wreck, this will make your child feel uneasy and anxious. Even if this is how you’re feeling…put a brave face on!

And don’t worry…before you know it they’ll be back home on half term and the countless school holidays to keep you busy!