Getting back into the swing of school has never been more challenging for parents and children especially after the turbulence and impact of COVID 19. Kids across the UK are back behind their school desks and with this comes the usual scramble for preparation. If you are worrying about getting your kids back to school and back into a new school routine through September? Read on to find out more brought to you by Pottiagogo - the best travel potty
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Hi Everyone!
In the past few weeks we have interviewed a number of parents and carers and had conversations on the topic of getting back to school with little children after a long summer break. Getting back into the swing of school has never been more challenging for parents and children especially after the turbulence and impact of COVID 19. Kids across the UK are back behind their school desks and with this comes the usual scramble for preparation. If you’re feeling stressed about returning to the routine of it all, we’ve compiled a few pointers to help you ease back into normality.
Let’s find out more …
1.What to expect in the first few days?
It is likely to be an emotional wrench for your child and you should probably be prepared for a few tears as your child slowly adjusts to spending time apart from you and visa versa. You may be surprised at just how much of a void you yourself are feeling which is all part of the adjustment to a new daily routine. Perhaps build in a few treats for yourself, perhaps take a slightly longer walk at lunch time as it won’t be long before the school day ends and you are back there to pick your child up.
2. How do you keep in touch with your child's emotions?
Keep talking to each other and checking in how your child is feeling. This in turn will create a natural dialogue with your children as this is always the best way to calm those nerves for both of you. Keep things positive and get your child excited about their first few days experience by talking about some of their favourite parts of school and focus on all the positive things that they have to look forward to such as making new friends, starting fantastic art projects, playing lots of new games and sports or reading together with their teacher. At the end of the day they will still be coming home to share their experiences
3. How best to get back to a sleep schedule?
It's totally understandable if bedtimes have slipped across the summer holidays as all those days off inevitably lead to lenient sleeping times. Taking back control of bedtime again before school starts is really important if you want your children to be ripe and ready for their first day. Also make sure you stick to the routine across the weekends to ensure your children are rested enough for Monday mornings. We recommend reducing screen time well before bath and bed to help improve your child's quality of sleep and concentration and sticking to a regular bath time to allow enough time for your child to wind down.
4. Organise everything together
We know this is easier said than done as we are all multitasking but this is so important as a parent and especially so if you have a number of children to organise. Getting all the stationary and school uniforms before the start of term is a great way to build some excitement for the new school year to get your children enthusiastic. On a daily basis we recommend you get everything together the night before the school day with your children by creating a tick list of what’s needed. Encourage them to help you pull it all together. Buying brand new pens, pencils and rubbers is way more thrilling than you would’ve thought but getting used to being responsible for what you take is even more exciting.
5. Communicate with teachers and the school
Once your child has settled in that little bit of extra effort talking to your child's teachers can make all the difference. Within a few weeks you could be creating study plans, setting goals to build on your child’s progress. After months off, it’s best to give your child’s teachers a ring to discuss how the school is moving forward, helping you prepare for the new school year.
If you are particularly worried about readiness for toilet independence it is vital you share your concerns with the school and together you can put a plan in place to accelerate this and identify if there is a health concern that needs to be dealt with.
Where to get help with potty training
Visit ERIC's ‘Let’s Go Potty’ website, here.
Discover more potty training tips, here.
Shop our range of travel potties, here.
