Back to school 5 minute guide: 10 items your child needs
Aussie families are gearing up for the school year to start. See our guide for parents on top items for students and tips to help them thrive.
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The flow-on effect of the pandemic is still wreaking havoc on Australian children’s health and wellbeing, causing a decline in social interactions and a significant rise in anxiety levels.
And with kids and teens starting the school year next week, experts are urging parents to talk to children about their concerns, and lead them back to reassurance and resilience.
Parenting expert and host of The Happy Families podcast, Dr Justin Coulson, says Covid-19 has caused a disruption in children’s behaviours.
“Kids will either struggle with friendships and relationships, or because they have anxiety or mood disorders, or because they don’t feel capable or competent,” he says.
“The school environment cannot always effectively satisfy the basic psychological needs of all children, mainly because there’s one teacher looking after a large number of kids or it could be due to personality differences.
“Children are always going to feel like they’re incompetent or unable to manage their emotions. Sometimes there’s family dysfunction or psychological difficulties.”
Not all is lost. There are ways parents can help make the experience something for children and teenagers to treasure.
CALM ANXIOUS MINDS
Anxious feelings are expected in children returning to primary or high school, changing schools, or for teenagers starting university.
But don’t immediately jump in to fix it for them, warns Michael Hawton, psychologist and author of The Anxiety Coach.
“Control your own compulsion to take away their struggle from them,” he says.
“Acknowledge how they are feeling and then talk to them about how they can problem-solve their way through the worrying experience they are facing.
“Work out what to do by way of scaffolding their thinking-through the issue at hand. Ask curious questions like, ‘If by some miracle you did a great job of giving your talk to the class, what are the steps you’d have to take to make that happen?’
“Teach them simple self-calming and grounding techniques to help them to return to calm.”
Coulson says parents forming a good relationship with teachers is critical.
“Do what you can to help your child know who their teacher is and develop a good relationship with them and make sure you’re all on the same team,” he says.
“Find ways to help children to develop friendships with students in their classroom. The more friends at school, the more comfortable they’ll be about being there.”
While Alicia Grabowski, co-host of it’s been a week podcast, is counting down the days until her children can go back to primary school, her top priority is always their wellbeing.
“My concern is ensuring my kids know they can talk about any worries or fears they have with their teachers or parents to allow them to be happy,” she says.
Parents of university students should keep the lines of communication open, be supportive and avoid comparisons with others,and encourage them to plan for a range of career options.
RE-ESTABLISH ROUTINES
Coulson suggests preparing them by resuming school-year routines the night before.
“Get everything ready so there is no pressure in the morning,” he says.
“This includes getting the school bag, uniform, socks and shoes ready, knowing what’s going on the sandwich and making sure the lunch box is in the fridge. All of these will reduce friction in the family which means the transition to school will be smooth and calm.”
Packing lunch boxes with plenty of fruit is the best way to ensure their sugar needs are met.
Create balanced lunches, including things like vegetable sticks, nuts and cheese.
The Sleep Health Foundation recommends primary school students need between nine and 11 hours of sleep each night, while eight to 10 hours will suffice for high school students. Remove all tech devices before bedtime.
Malcolm Elliott, president of the Australian Primary Principals Association says: “It is essential that families have established clear rules for the use of screens, including phones, and that these rules are carefully maintained.
“Open communication about the pros and cons of tech use will pave the way for much safer, happier futures for children.”
ROUTINE ADVICE
Jill Sweatman, neuroscience strategist in learning and development, provides her tips on getting kids back into routine.
Build structure: Create a pattern where at least three meals a week are shared as a family, device-free. This will encourage discussion and provide opportunities for your child to discuss how they are feeling and any concerns they may be having about the new year.
Connect, connect Show interest in your child’s studies and expand the conversation to other interests – this will help you as a parent connect with your child’s education and also your child with you.
Get physical Encourage university students to get involved in activities and groups. Talk with them about being actively curious, expanding their ideas with an open mind and being willing to be uncomfortable. Let them know that getting to know their lecturers will assist in their experiences at university and a good way to do that is to ask questions.
STRUGGLING TO FIT IN?
Fitting in is hard when you’re born to stand out, and author Laura Albulario wants to inspire children to embrace their uniqueness.
Her new children’s book, Leggy Peggy the toucan who can’t until she can-can, celebrates the joy in being different.
“Growing up as a first-generation Australian of Italian heritage, I remember being acutely aware and self-conscious about my family being different,” she says.
“These days, we’re all a lot better at celebrating the beautiful diversity of our community. Even so, kids are still under immense pressure to conform - particularly when they’re bombarded by unrealistic images in the media and online.”
Produced in collaboration with Sydney illustrator and artist Abi Fraser. Their second book, Norman Blue I’m a Cocky Too will be released in February. Pre-order via Dymocks and Amazon.
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TEN UNIQUE SCHOOL ITEMS FOR YOUR KIDS
We’ve rounded up 10 of our favourite back-to-school products that you won’t find at your local office supply store.
A tablet with PC mode that uses 73 per cent less blue light than other traditional tablets to illuminate the screen. $399 from Target, target.com.au
Collapsible bento silicone lunchbox
Simply collapses to one-third of its original size, saving space in kids’ backpacks. $33 from Munch.
Say no to disposable plastic flatware with this eco-friendly utensil set. Comes with a lightweight carrying case. $28.12 from Amazon.
Techy kids will love that this stylish backpack comes with its own USB charging port. $29 from Kmart.
Pilot frixion 12pk erasable markers
Teaches kids that it’s OK to make mistakes. Use the built-in eraser to rub out work and start again. $29.98 from Officeworks.
Keeps fruit and vegies crisp, and sandwiches fresh for lunch in the playground. $38.85 from Thermomix.
Experience the calming compression of this weighted blanket. Place on lap, back or shoulders to support focus at home or school.$119 from Neptune Blanket.
Behold, the study desk that grows with kids, from early childhood to adolescence. Adjustable at three different heights. $149 from Ikea.
Keep your tech neat and tidy when you’re on the go. These are great for things like your lightning cable and earbuds. $34.95 from Twelve South.
HidrateSpark pro 621ml smart drink bottle
Tracks water intake through the HidrateSpark app and glows to remind kids to drink. $129 from JB Hi-Fi.
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