Whether you're team love-time-with-the-kids or camp bring-back-peace-and-quiet, it's natural that the pressure to get your little ones school-ready and back in to the routine will be, understandably, stressful.
Latest research has proved that parents are becoming overwhelmed as a third of children arrive at school below the expected level of school-readiness. This includes a lack of speech and social skills, poor hygiene and personal care, and lack of independence.
Parenting expert and author of How To Unplug Your Child Liat Hughes Joshi has contributed some tips to our guide on ensuring children from pre school to high school age are education ready for September.
#1. Arrange a meet up.
If your child is starting a new school make sure there will be some familiar faces on their first day. Find out from parents in your local area which other children will be starting at the same time and arrange a picnic in the park so the children can make friends. You never know, you might make new connections too.
2. Practice role play.
Whatever age your child is, if they are on the shyer end of the scale it could be beneficial to get them used to speaking to teachers. This could involve getting your child to order at a restaurant, asking shopkeepers questions or spending a short amount of time where you refuse to answer your child's questions unless they put their hand in the air.
3. Ensure your child knows how to stay calm.
Particularly if your child is normally quite excitable or on the ADHD/ADD spectrum it's imperative they have self-calming skills to help with focusing on work, also avoiding getting into trouble with the teachers. If your child gets angry at home try asking them – after they've calmed down - in a gentle voice what is bothering them to try give them tools to work out their own emotions. 'You seemed like you were feeling angry earlier. What was bothering you?'
4. Be mindful
With any child teaching them mindfulness methods is going to be beneficial. Try getting them to focus on breathing, visualising relaxing scenes, or get them to squish and relax every muscle in their body.
5. Introduce new books and stories.
It's all too easy over the holidays to let digital devices reign over old fashioned books but don't let it be a shock to your child to have to go back to school and start reading again. Find out what kind of books are aimed at your child's next year group and borrow a few from the library, making sure your child reads them with you or alone each day. This will give them a great head start.
6. Have a great breakfast.
If eating healthily in the morning is a strain with children arguing that they don't like certain foods don't force them to. Just keep introducing the food, getting them to try a small bite each time. Experts say it takes 11 times for a child to try certain foods before deciding they like them. Beware of offering junk food as a reward as that will only increase their desire for it and make sure your child sees you eating fruit and vegetables. (sorry, yes you.)
7. DO attend settling-in days
to help them to feel more relaxed – they’ll be able to meet the teacher and experience the classroom environment. Point out things they will be able to enjoy next time they come to school, such as the playground.
8. Encourage manners at home.
If your child finds it difficult not to butt in when others are speaking spend some time talking to your child with an item such as a rock or stick where the person holding the item is the only one allowed to speak.
9. Try LeapStart.
Education genuises Leap Froghave made a new product for aiding children to get ahead in learning. LeapStart is an all-in once interactive system for 2-7 year olds that teaches children both educational and social skills.
10. Take care of you.
Undoubtedly you want the best for your child but don't forget to take a little time for yourself. Make sure you get at least some time alone every day, whether it's early in the morning or late at night when the children are sleeping or sometime during the day when they're being looked after elsewhere. Go for a walk without your smartphone for half an hour (it won't kill you), have a relaxing candlelit bath or get into bed early and read an enjoyable book rather than having more screen time. Oh, and we won't judge you for that glass of wine...
Good luck! What are you doing to prepare your kids for school? What do you find eases the stress? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter at @CloserOnline
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