3. Preparing emotionally
For most children and parents, returning to school is usually a mixture of excitement and, sometimes, anxiety. In the midst of this, children’s experience of the pandemic over the holiday will be varied and this could impact their mental health and wellbeing. Your child may have first day jitters or display signs that they’re anxious which is completely normal but it’s important to recognise it. When children are anxious, they may not know how to put their feelings into words. Instead, we can look for clues in their behaviour. They may appear more clingy than usual, fidget, struggle to concentrate, complain of stomach aches, display changes in eating and sleeping habits, get upset or angry more quickly and have bouts of unexplained crying. Talk to your children about their feelings about returning to school. Discuss any fears, concerns or worries openly to reassure them.
Be aware that if you’re expecting them to be anxious, you may interpret what they’re saying in a more complex way so let your child direct the conversation. I always try to find out what they’re looking forward to and focus on the positives.
