🤔Why Is My Child Struggling Going Back To School? - Back To School Challenges🤔

Mary_Scope
Mary_Scope Posts: 2,560 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists
edited September 19 in Families and carers

Part One - An Introduction to Back to School Challenges

It’s been a few weeks since school started but if your child is still struggling to settle in, feeling anxious or having meltdowns about school, please know you’re not alone. It is completely understandable as the changes in routine, environment and social demands can feel overwhelming.

Today, we’re going to explore the Why…the reasons your child might be finding it hard to settle and adjust to school.

Once you have an idea of what’s causing the struggle, even a small one, it can help you approach the situation in a more focused way. Next week, we’ll look into practical strategies to support your child after you have identified the Why.

A cartoon of a boy with pale skin, dark hair and a stripy blue tshirt sat at his school desk looking very upset

Understanding the 'Why'

First, try to pinpoint what might be causing the distress. Is it…

  • Sensory overload? New noises, smells or busy corridors can be a lot!
  • Anxiety about academics or social interactions?
  • A change in routine or staff?
  • Fatigue? School is hard work!
  • Separation anxiety?
  • Something else?

How to Find the Why

Talking to Your Child

  • For verbal children, using gentle and open-ended questions like, "What's the hardest thing about school right now?" or "What would make school a bit better?" can be a good way to get insight into what's causing them so much distress.
  • For non-verbal children, it can be helpful to watch their reactions to different sensory inputs or school related prompts etc.

Observe Patterns and Keep a Trigger Diary

  • Keep a simple journal or use an app for a week or two to note when your child struggles.
  • It is helpful to record the time, behavior, intensity and any events or triggers that happened just before. You can download a trigger diary here

Look for Patterns

  • When do the struggles happen? Mornings, drop-off or after school?
  • What does the behavior look like? Meltdowns, withdrawal, tummy aches?
  • What might be triggering it? A specific sound, person, or activity?

Talk to School Staff

  • This can be really crucial especially if you feel like your child needs more support.
  • They see your child in a different environment so it's helpful to ask about what they observe in social interactions, classroom demands, sensory issues or any changes in routine that might be affecting your child.
  • We will be looking at this a lot more next week

How has your child settled back at school? Do you have any words of wisdom for other parents on the community about this transition?

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