Back to school can be particularly stressful for children. Here’s how to reassure them and put them in a good mood on the big day.
The first day back at school is often a source of stress for young children, but also for parents. Some schoolchildren feel anxious about meeting their new classmates, adapting to a new teacher or starting work. As for parents, there are those who are apprehensive about leaving their child alone, who worry about whether they will be able to find their rhythm, and those who, on the contrary, can’t wait to be able to breathe a little after dropping them off at school. But children are sponges for emotions. If they sense that something is wrong, stress or irritation, their anxieties can increase. A scenario that many parents dread for the start of the school year.
So to avoid this, it is advisable to set up a certain positive routine on the big day. In any case, this is what psychologist Catherine, a specialist in neuroeducation, aka @ketche57 on Tiktok, advises. In one of her videos, the expert, who is also a mother, gives her tips for making sure that any child’s return to school goes well. For this, adults have a very important role to play. Above all, they must get involved if they want their little one to have a good first day at school.
And it starts in the morning, when the child wakes up. The psychologist recommends waking him up gently and simply asking him: “Did you sleep well? Are you feeling well?” With these questions, the child will be able to express what he feels and he will feel that his parent cares about him. Above all, avoid giving him orders and rushing him. Once standing, the expert advises to “bring fun and good humor” at breakfast time. In concrete terms, for the occasion, you can prepare his favorite snack in advance, which will please him. This could be waffles, pancakes, or even his favorite cereals.
Then, when it’s time to get ready and dressed, be sure to ask your child’s opinion. For example, “What pair of shoes do you want to put between these two?”. In this idea, you can involve him and ask him to help you put on your shoes. He will thus feel capable and confident. In front of the school, the specialist explains that it is important to be attentive to the child’s emotions and not to compare him negatively to his other classmates.
If you see him crying, listen to him, receive the emotion and share it gently, because “a calm parent = a calm child”, says the shrink. Finally, to finish reassuring your dear little blond head, show him that you have complete confidence in his teacher and his ATSEM by saying in particular: “The teacher will take good care of you, I trust her” and also remind him that you will come and pick him up later.
