⭐️How Can I Help My Child Settle Into School? - Back to School Challenges⭐️

Mary_Scope

Part One - An Introduction to Back to School Challenges
Part Two - Why Is My Child Struggling Going Back To School?
Part Four - How To Ask For A Meeting With My Childs School and Have a Productive Meeting?

Last week, we talked about understanding WHY your child might be struggling to settle into school. Pinpointing the 'why' whether it’s sensory overload, anxiety, routine changes or something else is the crucial first step.

So this week, I thought we could look at the HOW. So this post is all about how you can support your child to settle back into school by exploring some practical strategies you can implement to help your child adjust and thrive at school.

Every child is unique, so what works for one may not work for another so it is best to try different approaches until you find one that works for you and your child through observation and have open communication with the school so you’re both on the same page.

If the 'Why' is Sensory Overload..

• Create a Sensory Toolkit
  It may be helpful to work with the school to have a small bag of sensory tools available for your child that are able to help calm and regulate. Here is an example of a sensory toolkit
• Request a "Safe Space"
  Ask if there’s a quiet corner, a calming room or a designated "break space" your child can go to when feeling overwhelmed.
• Visual Timetables
  These can be a great strategy in general but can be particularly helpful in reducing anxiety about new sensory inputs. Here are examples of a classroom visual timetable.

If the 'Why' is Anxiety (academic or social)..

• Social Stories
  Use social stories to prepare your child for social situations or new academic tasks. This is a great websites for social stories to edit, print out and use.
• Visual Cues for Feelings
  If possible, then it can be really helpful to teach your child to identify and express their feelings using a feelings chart or visuals as this can help them communicate their anxiety before it escalates.
• Breathing Exercises
  Simple deep breathing exercises for children can be taught at home and encouraged at school.

If the 'Why' is a Change in Routine or Staff..

• Visual Timetables
  Again, a visual timetable can work effectively here as it outlines the day's activities including any change for your child.
• Preparation for Changes:
  Whenever possible, prepare your child in advance for upcoming changes. It doesn't matter how small! Social stories, countdown calendars, timers or verbal explanations are all helpful strategies here.
• Transition Objects
  If the school allows this then, this can be a helpful strategy as a familiar comfort object can provide a sense of security during transitions

.If the 'Why' is Fatigue..

• Check Sleep Routine
  Consistent bedtimes and calming evenings really help and here is some more tips and guidance on helping your disabled child sleep.
• Energy Boosting Snacks & Hydration
  If possible, then pack healthy energy boosting snacks and encourage hydration, in whatever form is most appropriate for them!
• Simple Evenings
  It's more than okay to have evenings where there is no clubs, activities or play dates etc because your child needs time to recharge and process the school.

If the 'Why' is Separation Anxiety..

• Consistent Drop-off Routine
  A predictable, calm, and quick drop-off routine is much better than a prolonged goodbye as this can often worsen anxiety!
• Comfort Object
  If possible, then it may be helpful to give your child a small, familiar object from home as it can be a powerful comfort.
• Reassurance & Predictability
  Reassure your child when you will return and stick to that promise s much as possible!

Settling back into school can be tough and you don’t have to face it alone because
your child’s school should be there to support both of you. Working together and staying on the same page can make a big difference, so don’t be afraid to speak up and advocate for your child’s needs.

That said, I know it’s not always easy as raising concerns can feel overwhelming and emotionally exhausting so i have created a post about How To Ask For A Meeting With My Childs School and Have a Productive Meeting?

Do you have any tips and guidance that you would like to share with other parents on the community? What strategies have you found useful to settle your child back into school?