Six tips to get kids back to school happy, healthy

PARENTS should talk about school and involve their kids in preparing uniforms and lunches to help ensure a smooth transition into the school year.

Eloise Limb, 7, is ready for the school year to begin. Picture: Mark Wilson

PARENTS should talk about school and involve their kids in preparing uniforms and lunches to help ensure an easy transition to the classroom.

Parenting expert Dr Elizabeth Westrupp said both parents and students were often anxious about the new year and struggled to get back into the routine of school.

“It’s important that you go on this journey together, which means talking through these changes with your children well in advance, and helping them feel in control of the process,” Dr Westrupp said.

She said children entering their first year of prep or high school had a particularly tough transition that may lead to heightened anxiety.

“That kind of transition represents a lot of unknowns. The key role for parents is to, as much as they can, remove (their child) from the unknown by talking to kids about what to expect,” Dr Westrupp said.

Point Lonsdale mum of four Emily Limb takes Eloise, 7, Angus, 9, George, 11, and Grace, 13, shopping to buy new shoes and back-to-school stationery in the lead-up to school so they feel prepared.

To help George have a smooth first year of high school at Bellarine Secondary College Ms Limb has helped him set up a study desk with special folders, pens and other essentials.

“We want them to have their own space so they feel homework-ready,” Ms Limb said.

Dr Westrupp, a Deakin School of Psychology senior lecturer, said parents should make an active effort to ensure their child felt in control.

To achieve this, parents should ask their child to help prepare school lunches, pack their bags and pick out outfits.

Parents are also advised to help their children adjust their sleep pattern a week before heading back to school. Dr Westrupp recommends children have a “technology-free hour” before bed and start waking up at their normal school time in the final days of the holidays.

Top six back-to-school tips:

1. Talk about school

2. Involve children in preparation

3. Adjust the sleep routine

4. Be prepared for a tired child

5. Provide the right fuel

6. Get ready to concentrate

Originally published as Six tips to get kids back to school happy, healthy