Getting kids back to school stress-free

The summer holidays are over and it’s time to go back to school. It’s a transitional time, making children feel a range of emotions, from excitement to anxiousness.

Positive psychology coach Kate Wilkie believes if children feel nervous about the new school year, there are many ways parents and guardians can empower them so they feel more prepared, both mentally and physically.

1. Encourage a child’s natural strengths and talents
If you have a curious child, get them excited by telling them about all the things they will be learning this year. If you have a creative child, they might want to help cover their text books with colourful paper or write their name on their pencil case or lunch box.

2. Give them responsibility
Back to school is a great opportunity to give your kids some responsibility. If you let them do some things on their own they will feel more competent and confident which is great for their wellbeing. So have them choose their own stationery and encourage them to pack their own backpack.

3. Teach them the power of being organised
Avoid that frazzled feeling on the first morning of school and teach your children the power of organisation by getting everything ready the night before. Together, make the lunch box, pack the backpack and ensure the school uniform is ironed.

4. Plan ahead
Schedule a time to shop for shoes and uniforms together at least one week before school starts so you don’t leave it until the last minute. Planning together with your child will teach them that being proactive and organised is the best way to prepare for anything in life, and it gives them a sense of ownership and control.

5. Create a gratitude habit
Talking to your kids about what went well during the day is a great way to create and share positive emotions. Start with paying attention to the positives and it can help put problems into perspective and discuss challenges more calmly.

6. Talk about concerns
Just as with adults, if your child’s fears go unexpressed, the fears can feed upon themselves and increase anxiety, so encourage your children to voice any worries they may have before school starts. Give your child the opportunity to talk about their fears and concerns about the new school year, and work with them to come up with solutions together.

7. Celebrate the change
A great way to reduce back to school stress and get your kid in a positive mindset is to celebrate the new school year. Take your child out for their favourite meal, surprise them with colourful stationery, or take them to see that movie they’ve wanted to see.

Most children across the Surf Coast and Bellarine will return to school on Monday, January 29.