The first day of school is always nerve wracking for children especially if it’s a new environment.
The first week of September will see thousands of children across Dublin start their first day in primary and secondary school.
While it’s natural to feel anxious ahead of the new school year, experts have revealed a number of tips that parents can follow to help their kids.
Ray Henry, chair of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), said: “We can all feel a tinge of anxiety when faced with the unknown. This fear can particularly affect children.
“It can cause a lot of parents to worry but bear in mind that schools are experts in putting their new pupils at ease.”
Here are some top tips for starting school:
1. Introduce and familiarise your child with their new school before they start
2. Set up playdates for your child with new classmates before school starts
3. Make the process of preparing (buying uniforms and school books) fun activities for your children
4. Establish a good sleeping and eating routine in the weeks beforehand
5. Encourage your child to ask their teacher questions
6. Become familiar with the teachers in your child’s school
7. Encourage your child to be inclusive to other children, in asking them to play
8, Talk to your child about every aspect of their day and be excited for their experiences
9. Monitor changes in their behaviour
10. Talk to your child about any fears they may have
11. Speak to a teacher if issues arise
