With the August bank holiday over, it’s now time to start thinking about preparing for the return to school!
6 weeks of summer almost done – how did that happen?! It’s strange how time moves, and how summer can feel like it’s gone by in a blink, while also feeling like it’s taken an eternity (with at least a million demands or complaints, “Can I have a snack?”, “I’m hungry”, I’m bored”…this list goes on)…both at the same time! Now as summer comes to a close, and the new school year and term draws closer, the return to school transition should begin before the first day of school.
Top tips for starting or returning to school this year (parent focus):
- “You can’t pour from an empty cup” – Jade’s Mum
Maybe you were able to take a break, get away and take some time off work….maybe you weren’t. Either way, start by taking some time for yourself this week, before you begin preparing your child. It can be hard, and sometimes even demonised, prioritising our own health and wellbeing. But as Jade’s Mum (a friend’s mum and very wise woman) highlights with her famous cup quote, make sure your cup has at least something in it, or it will be near impossible to pour into anyone else’s. Please take as much rest, recovery and joy as you can find this week; to get yourself primed and ready for what is to come!
- Check the school information for the new term/year
Sounds simple, but is easy to overlook. Our end of term memory can be flawed; and though we might be adamant that the kids return on 4th, the EOT demands and drama, and a 6 week time lapse, can scramble our memories a little. So set a little time aside to check – make sure key dates like INSET days, the first day of term, and start of any clubs or other wraparound care – are accurate in your diary/calendar.
- Connect with school if needed
Perhaps there have been changes over the summer (e.g., change in home circumstances, concerns that you have noticed, updates from external professionals) that you need to share, or there are questions you have, don’t hesitate to reach out – even if it is to book in a meeting with the teacher or SENDCO in the new school term. It can help to get something booked in, both practically (before their calendars are swamped!) and emotionally (it can feel reassuring to know that you have a concrete date to speak with someone).
- Have a big “school sort out”
If you are a high achiever, maybe you completed this step at the end of the term. But if you’re like me at the EOT, clawing yourself to the finish line, there was a total of zero strength left at the end of July, and only space for laying like a vegetable for at least a week remained. So now you’ve had a little rest and reboot, revisit the book bags/lunch boxes/school uniform that has been bundled into a cupboard somewhere over summer to die. Get rid of any (now almost dust) forgotten sandwiches, clothing or footwear that is too small/ruined, and/or any broken or empty school equipment. If your school has provided a list, use this to mark what you already have, and what you need to get or replace. And if your child is able to, involve them as much as possible in this process. This is a great opportunity to model and practice planning and organisations skills together!
If you like the suggestions, but feel like you would benefit from more detail, support or bespoke suggestions for your child and family, we offer family consultations (one off) or coaching (multiple sessions over time) that you may be interested in. Send us a message or just come and say hello!
Our next post will continue building on top tips for preparing for the return to school but this time child focus.
**The views expressed in our social media posts are entirely our own, based on our professional and personal experience. All posts are informational, not professional advice.
