As we’re heading towards the end of school holidays, it’s time for us carers and parents to think about how we can support our children in transitioning from holiday mode back to learning and routines. While holidays are perfect for letting our children consolidate their learning from the previous school year and take a much-needed break from the structure of school life, we know this time can be particularly challenging for children who are either new to the schooling system or those who find transitions difficult.
Understanding Back to School Transitions
As carers and parents, we see transitions every day – they’re those changes in environment, pace and routine that can sometimes be overwhelming for our children. They might be big changes, like moving from preschool to prep, or smaller ones during the day, like switching from drawing time to lunch.
Why can back to school transitions be tricky? There are many reasons:
- Anxiety bubbling up.
- Individual needs that need extra consideration.
- That overwhelming feeling when things change.
- Personal wants and perceptions.
- Negative school life past experiences that they may still hold on to.
And you know what? Sometimes we just don’t know why our child is struggling – and that’s perfectly normal! As carers and parents, sometimes these moments catch us by surprise too.
Is There a 'Right Way' to Handle Back to School Transitions?
Yes… and no. As a carer or parent, you know your child best. What’s ‘right’ takes into account everything you know about your child and how you respond to their needs in the moment.
Practical Ways to Prepare Before end of School Holidays
A Couple of Weeks Before:
- Start easing back into those school-day routines at home. Consider getting up around school time, getting dressed, and maybe heading out for a short walk.
- Structure your breakfasts, lunches and afternoon snacks around school times – this helps them get back into the rhythm.
- Chat about school naturally during the day. Perhaps when they’re playing soccer: “You’ll love playing with friends at lunch time when school starts!”
Getting Familiar with School:
- If you’re local to the school, take a walk around the grounds. Point out the important spots: “That’s the handball court where you’ll line up with your class on day one”.
- Arrange a meet-up with other families whose children will be in the same class.
- Make it visual with a countdown calendar – children enjoy tracking the days!
- Make or read stories around going to school and what you can expect there.
Building Independence:
Let’s make sure our children can handle the basics (if your child doesn’t have a support worker present):
- Opening their own lunch boxes.
- Managing their shoes (Velcro shoes can be great for kids who need one less thing to worry about!).
- Knowing their teacher’s name.
- Being comfortable asking an adult at the school for help.
- Using the bathroom independently.
- Carrying their school bag.
- Filling up their water bottle.
When School Day Arrives
The big day’s here! There’s excitement in the air, but maybe your child:
- Won’t leave the car.
- Is feeling tearful.
- Won’t let go of your hand.
- Is feeling anxious inside.
That’s all normal, and we’ve got some strategies to help:
What You Can Do:
- Plan to be there – it might mean adjusting work or changing your morning routine, but some days are special.
- Arrive early – let them explore the playground and get comfortable.
- Give them a special item from home (perhaps a scarf or another small token) and let them ‘take-care’ of it for the day until they pick you up.
- If they’re heading into class okay, keep that goodbye short and positive.
- If they’re really struggling, sit with them and have a gentle chat. Is there a familiar face at school who could help?
When to Reach Out for Extra Support
If your child is consistently finding school challenging, that’s okay – there will be a reason. It’s essential that we work together – carers, parents, school staff and other professionals – to support your child through this. Sometimes this might mean consulting with a psychologist, and that’s perfectly fine.
The Big Picture
Remember, transitions (big or small) can feel like significant moments for our children. The key to successful transitions is:
- Really knowing your child.
- Having a plan ready.
- Making sure there are supportive people around besides us (teachers, support workers, friends).
- Keeping those lines of communication open with your child.
With planned communication we can help turn those uncertain mountains into manageable hills together.
Need some extra support? We understand – transitions can be challenging! Our team at ORS provides speech pathology, occupational therapy and psychology services with a nurturing approach that puts your child first. Feel free to give us a call on 1800 000 677 or refer now!
