Back to School Tips for Parents

As children across the country get set to return to school, it’s natural that they – and their parents – might be feeling apprehensive. It's a big transition at the best of times; factor in the pandemic, and you’ve got a real recipe for parenting stress on your hands! Luckily, there are lots of ways you can prepare for this milestone – read on for some useful back to school information for parents.   

 Articulate Your Fears 

First up, acknowledge your feelings and talk them out with your partner (or a trusted friend who can help you through single parent stress!). Giving shape to your fears will help make them less of a threat, and you’ll be more able to put a plan in place. For example, if COVID is on your mind, contact your child’s school and chat through the precautionary measures they have in place. You’ll feel more in control of the situation, and your fears are less likely to spiral.

 Get Organised Early 

Given the last 18 months, it can be hard to get a grasp on the passage of time. It may seem like the summer holidays are ending before they’ve even begun! But it’s well worth addressing all the practical things that need to be done in the weeks before your child’s first day back. Shopping for school uniforms, books, and stationery is far less stressful if it’s not done last-minute. Then you can simply pack those things away and not have to worry about them until September rolls around.   

 Start the Routine Early 

As the big day approaches, start to think about easing back into a more structured routine. Your child has likely been staying up later during the holidays, which is to be expected. But rather than simply jumping back to a pre-holiday timetable the night before school re-commences (which can be a major shock to all of your systems), start to reintroduce an earlier bedtime a couple of weeks prior. Wake your child as you would for school, and as much as you can, keep the structure of the day in line with how it will be going forward. Trust us – this will make those initial days a lot easier for everyone involved! 

 Manage Your Own Anxiety  

Remember, if you’re showing signs of intense anxiety, your child will pick up on that and likely become stressed too. Though it’s easier said than done, try to explore what’s causing you to feel anxious, speaking to a healthcare professional if necessary. Someone with an expertise in stress management for parents will be able to help you manage your feelings. If you’ve too much on your plate, take regular time out for a walk, yoga class, or whatever tends to help you relax. Keep communication open with your child and encourage them to take some downtime too. With the right prep and mutual support, the transition back to school can be a positive experience for the whole family.  

At Irish Life Health, we’re here for you as you face challenges like these head-on. Discover our varied range of plans (along with our great benefits for all the family) here.