Do you remember your first day at school or in a new high school? It was likely a mix of excitement and anxiety. The start of a new school year can be overwhelming for children, but with a bit of preparation, it doesn't have to be stressful.
Here are ten tips for a stress free back to school transition:
1. CHECK BEFORE YOU SHOP
- Assess your child's clothing needs, donate outgrown items, and make a wardrobe needs list.
- Obtain uniform and stationery requirement forms from the school and shop early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Prepare for the school year during the holidays, ensuring all necessary supplies, textbooks, and stationery are acquired.
2. BAGS AND BACKS
- Pack school bags the night before to prevent morning panic.
- Ensure the backpack is designed for practicality with adjustable straps, worn over both shoulders, and not overloaded to avoid back pain.
3. PLANNING
- Use a family event calendar to track after-school activities, school programs, and sports matches.
- Color-code entries by family members for easy organization.
4. ROUTINE AND SLEEP
- Gradually reintroduce a school-year bedtime during the last two weeks of the holiday.
- Maintain a regular schedule to reduce stress levels at the beginning and end of the day.
5. MORNING AND MADNESS
- Plan ahead the night before, setting the breakfast table and preparing lunch boxes.
- Consider a bathroom schedule for multi-child households to ensure everyone gets equal time.
6. MEALTIMES
- Plan meals and snacks before the school day starts to ease children into term-time routines.
- Create a lunchbox tray in the fridge for quick lunch preparation. Keep essential ingredients in the cupboard for easy access. Include a variety of foods in packed lunches, emphasizing fruits and vegetables.
7. NUTRITION
- Start the day with a nutritious breakfast, avoiding high-sugar commercial cereals.
- Incorporate whole-grain cereals, eggs, and smoothies into breakfast options.
- Ensure a balanced diet with adequate fish intake for omega-3 fatty acids.
8. SUPPLEMENTATION IS IMPORTANT
- Consider a good multivitamin for added nutritional support.
- Include omega-3 essential fatty acids in the form of purified fish oil for optimal brain function.
9. STRESS LESS
- Use calming herbs like passion flower, German chamomile, and valerian to reduce anxiety.
- Homeopathic remedies are easy to administer without any side effects.
- Encourage exercise to alleviate stress, and consider natural remedies if needed.
10. EMOTIONAL EXPRESSION
- Address any stress or anxiety early on to prevent interference with confidence and behavior.
- Encourage open communication about the school day to understand your child's emotional state.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR HEAD LICE
Lice are lousy little critters and many moms are all too familiar with the pesky palaver of spending endless frustrating hours combing out near-to-invisible nits, boiling bedding and then following through with treatments for days after- wards. Should your child come home with lice don’t panic however, as these creatures are easily dealt with. It is important to remember that many commercial anti-lice products contain pesticides that can be absorbed through the skin. These pesticides are toxic and it is advisable to rather use natural remedies such as essential oil formulations. Safe examples for children include: rosemary, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, bergamot and lemon. Lice are also averse to oil, vinegar, high humidity or dry heat (so tumble drying washed bedding is an effective deterrent).
If you start the school year at the height of summer, hats and sunblock are absolute necessities. Sun protection can be applied to the face and arms before leaving the house.
Editor's note: Be sure to have a look at Healthy and Hearty Lunch Box Ideas, by Rachel Jesson. And see the article on the Prevention of Poor Posture, by Dr Frances le Roux.
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