The start of a new school year can be a time of real anxiety for children. Whether they are starting school for the first time, moving to a new school, or even returning to the same school but transitioning into an older year group after a long summer break, each child will have to face new experiences that can be both challenging and overwhelming.
That sense of anxiety can be just as prevalent for parents as well. If you’re a parent of an infant just starting school, you’re likely to feel a whole mix of emotions, from pride to worry, as you and your child embark on a new chapter of life. If your child is older, particularly if they’ve moved to a new school, you’ll have to manage an entirely different, though no less complex, set of emotions and practical considerations.
In each case, the start of school is a time of change, and that change can bring uncertainty and stress. But addressing these challenges head-on can also bring real positivity and fulfilment. You can play a crucial role as a parent in making sure your child has a smooth start – or re-entry – to their educational journey.
Drawing on my experience as a teacher, I can share some great ways to ready your child for school and establish important routines - as well as a few other key tips for providing support and building confidence. Put together, these strategies can help transform this potentially overwhelming period from one of general anxiety to one of excitement.
Understanding first-day anxiety