Starting a new school year can be an exciting time for kids, but also one of anxiety, exhaustion and stress.
One day they’re lounging around in their PJs, enjoying the freedom of home life… the next they’re desk-bound, conforming to school rules and routines.
If all this has turned your youngster into an emotional wreck, fear not!
We have a few tips to help you ease the back-to-school transition:
1. Offer a snack at pick-up
Studies show our energy levels are lowest mid-afternoon, right around school pick-up time. Giving your child a protein-rich snack on the way home is a great way to boost their energy levels and stave off any ‘hangry’ behaviour until they get home for a proper feed. Cheese sticks, nut bars and yoghurt are all portable, high-protein snacks.
2. Give them some space
“How was your day at school?”
“Good.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing.”
Sound familiar? Some children need time to unwind before they feel ready to talk about their day. If you sense yours needs some space, save the questions for later in the evening… and ask younger siblings to give them a break before bugging them to play!
3. Re-think after-school activities
After a long day at school, some children crave rest and relaxation while others need to burn off energy. Every child is different, so talk to yours and find out what works for them. Kids who prefer relaxation might just want a cuddle on the couch, a warm bath, or some quiet time spent reading or doing puzzles. For those who need to move, stop off at the park on the way home so they can run around freely.
4. Try a nutritional supplement
Good nutrition is essential for children’s ability to learn, play and get along with peers. But picky eating can make it difficult to meet kids’ nutritional needs through diet alone. A daily supplement like Oz Farm’s Kids Care Formula is an ideal way to improve your child’s overall wellbeing and behaviour.
5. Make sleep a priority
We tend to let routines slip during the holidays and that often means bedtimes get pushed back; but once your child starts school again, a full night’s rest is essential. For primary school-aged children, this means between 9 and 11 hours’ sleep every night.
The start of a new school year can be an exhausting time for everyone, but the above tips can help put an end to afternoon meltdowns. If your child is still struggling, try talking to their teacher about how they’re settling in and other ways you can help them going forward.