After what feels like an eternity of learning from home, not getting out of PJ’s, and repeating the same day over and over ‘Groundhog Day’ style, it’s finally time to send the little ones back to school. Whilst this may be a sign of relief for parents, this could be a time of change, uncertainty, and anxiety for your child. So we’re here to walk you through some ideas of how to get your child ready for their first day back at school after the incessant lockdowns!

Whilst returning to school will look different depending on where you are in Australia, the current government regulations, and schooling system, most school systems will notify parents about any important changes in terms of what day they will start back, what time class starts, any particular items the child needs to bring with them and any other safety regulations.

Here are some tips to help organise your child and smoothly transition them back into routine:

Organise play-dates in the weeks before starting back

Playdates and social outings, whilst fun, are great for kids to make friends and expand their social cognitive skills. Most children have been sheltered inside without limited contact with the outside world, which can leave them feeling anxious in social settings as lockdown ends. By getting them comfortable with another child attending the same school or place of learning can help to initiate friendships, this will help your child detach from the comforts of home-life and transition back to school. It’s always nice having a familiar face around in new settings!

Have a morning routine that emulates their ‘back to school’ mornings

To help your child get into a routine, it is important in the weeks coming up to being back at school to get your child up and ready for the school day at home, just as they would going back into the classroom. Help them dress into their uniform so they can get familiar with the attire, and accustomed to their morning routine. This will help your child to be organised and on time for when they go back to school.

Check-in with your child’s emotional and mental wellbeing

Change in routine and going back to school can leave your child feeling pretty tired at the end of the day and by the end of the week. Ensure to check in with your child and help them to establish some healthy boundaries around what after-school activities they may or may not want to participate in. Practice some mindfulness techniques like breathing exercises to help them wind down at night time and move through any restless or anxious feelings they may have. Have a plan in place, such as set dinner and bedtimes to ensure they are well-rested and prepared for the next day.

Humans are adaptable creatures, and whilst your child may feel anxious in the lead up to the first week back to school, and most likely a little extra tired as they transition, they will soon enough feel settled as the weeks go on! Continue to have positive conversations with your child about what their favourite part of the school day was, their favourite class or teacher, something funny that happened at lunchtime, etc. Soon enough your child will be feeling comfortable and confident with their new back-to-school routine!