Settle Back to School

Oh why do good things come to an end? Those long weeks off from school add up to pure heaven for youngsters.

The morning ritual in many households can create enough drama to fill an episode of Fair City. Yet at the school gates everyone appears composed, calm and in control. Scratch under the surface and most parents will complain of uncompromising children, school jumpers that couldn't be found, a request for money for a school trip that needed to be handed in that day, and running out of bread needed for sandwiches. In normal situations, this sequence of unfortunate events can be dealt with relatively easily, but when there is five minutes to go before leaving the house, it's enough to boil the blood of the calmest parent. The whole process can run a little more smoothly by re-addressing morning routine.

Ideas to smooth the morning's rough edges:

Invest time outside the school Teach your children valuable life skills such as dressing themselves, brushing hair and tying shoelaces.

Prepare the night before. Let your child become involved with packing lunch or laying out clothes. And re-start early bedtimes. Settle your child by reading to them or getting them to read to you.

Keep one step ahead...

Did your child struggle at school last term? Did they progress at a slow pace or show signs of an uneven pattern of development? If you suspect that your child may have a learning disability contact your school for advice on testing and evaluation. And as there are many forms of learning disability, it's important to pinpoint the exact problem before seeking a remedy. If you feel that your child would benefit from a "top-up" to their traditional education, it may be worth considering extra tuition away from the classroom.

Let's start with mornings

Sit and eat breakfast as a family.

Let your children clock-watch with a simple but effective visual trick. Draw a replica image of your kitchen clock with the hands pointing to the time when you must leave the house. Place this on the wall next to your kitchen clock and ask your children to be ready by the time the kitchen clock reads the same time. Or simply re-set your clock 15 minutes early!

Next... dealing with change

Calm the chaos and ease your child back to school in the first few weeks by-

Remember it's normal for you and your children to feel the 'Back to School Blues'. But if you feel that your child seems unnaturally worried, check they are OK. Be proactive - plan plenty of playtime and arrange activities where children can release their feelings.

As classes can be divided at the start of each school year, your child may worry about losing friends. To alleviate any worry, invite an old pal around for tea at the end of the first week so they can catch up.

If last term's problems re­surface such as bullying or a difficulty in learning, address each issue early on and nip them in the bud.

Give them some leeway for the first couple of weeks as they settle into the new routine, which can be exhausting. Give them personal space. Allow them some 'me' time.

Encourage children to develop a special interest that can serve as a source of confidence and self-esteem.

Remember, if you have concerns contact Parentline Plus on 1890 927 277 who will offer a listening ear to any worried parent.