Help your child to start the new school year with a positive attitude that facilitates learning and growth.

The start of a new school year means a flood of mixed emotions for children. While they may be exited to see their friends after a long holiday, they may be feeling anxious about their new teacher, sad that they have been separated from their best friend, and concerned about their workload for the year ahead.

Your children will be looking to you for guidance on how to manage their emotions. Be upbeat and positive about school.

Here are some practical guidelines to help you settle your children:

    • Acknowledge their feelings, especially if they have been separated from friends. Explain that they will still be able to see their friends at break time and after school. Encourage them to make a new friend, and invite the new friend over to play as soon as possible. Children usually settle down at school when they have a ‘buddy”.
    • Find positive things to say about their teacher, even if she is not popular. If you are positive about the teacher, your child will most likely have a positive attitude to school.
    • Help them to organise themselves as they get used to a new roster. Remind them to pack sports equipment. Be excited about all the new, interesting things they will be learning during the year.
    • Listen empathically when they discuss their concerns for the new year. Tell them about your experiences at school, and how you coped positively with feelings of stress.
    • Begin the year with a fresh attitude. Try some new approaches, especially when helping with homework. Let your children know that you love and believe in them, and that their job is to try their best. Change is never easy for anyone, especially children. Be patient and sensitive as your children adjust to the new school year.
    • Ensure your child goes to school regularly, arrives at school on time, is dressed appropriately, is equipped appropriately, and has acceptable behaviour within the school rules. It is important to start these good habits at an early age, that is at nursery and primary school.
    • Take a serious interest in your children’s school work; help them with homework, etc.
    • If the child begins to show reluctance to attend school, contact the school immediately and work with them to sort things out.
    • Support the school staff in their efforts to engage the child, controlling difficult or challenging behaviour and encouraging improved attendance.
    • If the child is ill, contact the school on the first day of absence. Staff will be concerned if they do not hear from the parent or guardian.
    • If the child is ever absent from school, tell the school why. Parents or guardians should follow the arrangements made by the school for this.
    • If parents or guardians want their child to miss school, for example for a religious festival or some other special occasion, seek the school’s agreement well in advance and give full details.
    • Don’t expect the school to agree to shopping trips during school hours, even if it’s for a school uniform!

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours if you want to discuss your support for your child during his/her school years.