Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children for a smooth start

1. Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children for a smooth start As the summer comes to an end, many children are gearing up to head back to the classroom and this comes with a host of stressors for children and parents alike. However, a little planning could help both you and your child’s wellbeing as they shift from the summer schedule to a daily school routine. As an educator, the mental

2. health of children could be supported by the following top three strategies and could help children of all ages. Re-establishing schedules Summer is a time for fun and freedom. Many parents, like myself, become more flexible with rules such as bedtimes, television and gaming. Establishing bedtime routines a week in advance works best when getting back to school. It helps the child to Get their mind and body ready for a new routine. It helps build consistency well before schools reopens. It allows parents time to provide their child with love, patience, understanding and support during this change. It could well be that you got to this article after school began. Just remember to give yourself time, and to support your child as the academic pressures start building up. Remind yourself that routines take time to be (re)established and that your child is also ‘mourning’ the loss of the fun summer days. Let’s get organised Do you remember getting excited to buy a new school bag or new shoes for the school year ahead? I know as a child this was the best part of schools reopening. Make this a collaborative effort. Get your child involved because it prepares them for the beginning of a new school year. Use this time to bond with them. Listen to their excitement, anxieties and worries. Always remember to acknowledge their experiences as different to yours. I have never been a big fan of platitudes, I have stopped myself from saying “Don’t worry.

3. Everything will be ok.” It is important to allow the child to have their own experiences which is a necessary experience as they develop for their wellbeing. Let your child know that you are there for them as they get ready to go back to school. This is a time not just for parents but also for educators as they say goodbye to their summer routines and get ready for the new academic year. Collaborating with educators After speaking to several fellow educators and a head of an international school in Hong Kong, I was reminded that parents need to understand that transitioning into a

4. new grade level, school, and making new friends will take time, and for some children, a lot of time. It works well for educators and parents to collaborate during this time of transition. Attending information days help keep parents abreast of the school’s academic plan for the year, assessments, and other relevant information. If you feel that your child could benefit from speaking to someone other than you, schools today are better equipped with counsellors. They are committed to the mental health of your child. While looking after your child’s wellbeing, it is also important to look after yours. Schools today are, also, equipped to support parents. Finally, your children’s mental health and well-being takes priority. It is important they enjoy the process of learning and the social experience of being at school. A school is a place that offers not only academic excellence but also an opportunity to sharpen social skills, learning that goes beyond the classroom, and become world citizens.