Welcome back to 2024

As a new way to reach out to our wonderful parent community, we are adding some information around how we can support our Diverse Learners and families at home and in being engaged in learning and loving .

Wildflower Holistic Services - Principal Psychologist Alexandra McCarthy

As the school gates open, a new adventure unfolds - the return to school! 

Whether your household is a whirlwind of chaos or an air of serene organisation (although, we won’t entirely believe you!), the return to school signifies a change for both parents and kids alike. A blend of excitement and uncertainty - for some, it's the first day of a new school or a debut in the school yard. For others, it's a move to a higher grade with unfamiliar faces.
No matter the circumstance, the return to school signals a period of transition with potential areas of challenge for our kids. 

This Blog is a three-part series focusing on areas that deserve attention during the transition back to school: anxiety, executive functioning, and managing after-school meltdowns. 

First up - Anxiety. While some kids will be excited to return to school, others may experience heightened anxiety and difficulty adapting to change. Even kids who don't usually experience anxiety are likely to experience butterflies in their bellies. For our kids who are prone to anxiety and have difficulty separating from parents, this transition can be especially challenging. It's normal for anxiety to accompany change. There may be a change in your kids social support system - maybe a good friend has moved schools or a favourite teacher is being replaced. Maybe they are worried about their homework getting harder now that they have moved up a grade. Maybe they’re worried about navigating new social dynamics. 

Here are some quick tips to assist in managing anxiety that can  aid in a slightly smoother transition back to school:  

1. Use Visual Supports/Schedules to Establish Routine and Structure: Help your child transition smoothly by establishing a consistent routine at home prior to school starting. A visual schedule of the school week can help minimise anxiety by establishing predictability; as your child knows what to expect each day. For example, using a visual schedule for after-school pick ups for the week e.g. Monday
catching the bus, Tuesday picked up by parents, Wednesday picked up by grandparents, and so on. 

2. Familiarise with the New Environment: This is essential for helping children feel more confident and comfortable as they transition back to school. Role playing various scenarios and discussing the potential challenges that might arise is a great way to promote problem solving and develop strategies to navigate unfamiliar situations and reduce anxiety. For example, you can stimulate scenarios such as getting lost at school, or not being able to find their teacher. Children can feel more prepared and less anxious about facing similar situations in real life by reducing fear of the unknown. 

3. Validate Emotions: Initiate conversations about the return to school. It's important that you are first checking in with yourself and your own emotions. Kids pick up on parents' nerves or anxiety so managing this is a great first step in helping them feel calm. Encourage your child to express their emotions and any worries around returning to school. Then, actively listen, validate their emotions, and provide reassurance. Actively listening means seriously taking in their concerns. Then, rather than dismissing e.g. “you will be fine - it’s just a new class” we encourage you to validate. This looks like “I hear that you are feeling worried about being in a new class with a new teacher, and I know that's hard”. Sometimes, that’s all our kids need. To be heard and understood. Reassurance is also important, demonstrating your confidence in them to get through the situation - you might collaboratively make a plan as to how your child is going to cope with these worries. We encourage you to acknowledge and validate the broad range of emotions they may be experiencing and establish a safe space to express their concerns. 

4. Practice Emotional Regulation: Practicing emotional regulation is a vital skill that can benefit kids as they navigate the transition back to school. Mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing exercises are useful for managing anxiety by calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation. For example, encouraging your child to practice five finger breathing whenever they feel worried about school. For example,”I am going to do my five finger breathing every time I feel butterflies in my tummy”, provides a tangible coping strategy for whenever they’re feeling anxious about school. 

These strategies can help your child navigate the transition back to school with confidence and resilience. Together, you can tackle any challenges that come your way and make the return to school a positive experience for the whole family.