Parents almost as nervous as kids starting school
Returning to school is a time of uncertainty for kids but it turns out it’s just as tough for parents, with most feeling guilty just dropping their kids at the school gate.
Education
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Three out of 10 parents fear their kids won’t make friends at school and nearly half are worried they could be victims of bullying.
As school resumes this week, 1000 parents bared their souls, with half of them saying their kids were expressing anxiety about heading off to school.
The Pureprofile research of parents with children primarily in the early school years found that more than 70 per cent of mums and dads, knowing their kids’ trepidation, felt guilty about dropping them off at the school gate.
The research, commissioned by toy maker Mattel, is part of a push to get kids to break the ice by bonding and socialising over games.
Melbourne child counsellor and psychotherapist Georgina Manning said many people assumed anxiety and stress were common in young adults but younger children also faced those challenges.
She backed kids playing games to combat loneliness at schools and suggested some other things to support them settling into school.
LISTEN to kids’ feelings. New places and spaces can bring up feelings of worry, she said.
Often listening is enough to put them at ease.
GET back, or into a routine, depending if you are a school starter or returning to school.
“Routines allow children to feel a sense of safety and predictability,” Ms Manning said.
REPLACE the screens before bed with other activities including games.
CREATE a visual tasklist so they can track and manage their daily tasks.
PLAN and prepare as much of the morning ‘to-do’ list the night before. Packing lunches, laying out school uniforms and sorting out bags will ease the morning rush.
PRACTICE makes perfect. Practice back to school tasks like tying up shoe laces.
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Mattel launched the research today with a UNO session at Boronia Heights Primary School.
Students at the school will play the popular and iconic card game to manage their nervousness and concerns about making friends and fitting in. With two to 10 players, the game was seen as a way for kids to let down their guards and meet other kids.
Boronia Heights Primary School principal Leanne Jennings said playing games could help build teamwork and social skills.
“Building friendships are fundamental for children and their journey through school, and finding different ways to keep them happy and engaged through education, is essential for us,” she said.