Tips to start the school year.

·       Talk positively about school (even if you have school trauma yourself)

·       Set your child up for success (where does the school bag go at school, at home, what should they eat each lunch break, how to open ALL food containers and can they fill their own water bottle?) even though these sound trivial, to a small person in a new environment, it becomes a big problem.

·       Glad wrap and plastic, let’s just face it, it causes issues for little fingers to open.

·       If you haven’t been able to get all of your school resources before day 1, don’t stress.  They won’t use them then anyway.  Just let your teacher know and bring them in when you can.  Brands, yep get the brands recommended.  They last longer and better quality.

·       If you’re not sure ask.  But not on the first day.  The teacher will be concentrating on your child, building connections and relationships and helping them to feel safe and valued.  Maybe send an email later on in the week, if you have a concern. 

·       Expect your child to be ‘out of sorts’ in those first few weeks.  It’s new, there’s rules, so many rules and so many new people and places and things.  It is overwhelming.  Just listen to them, hug them, have a snack ready and avoid any trips to the shops or play dates in the first few weeks.  It’s hot, they’re exhausted.

·       Ensure you are aware of any policy that may impact you or your child at school.  The uniform policy, the homework policy, the behaviour policy, yep there’s one for you too and your behaviour.  Be kind and model kindness in front of your child.

·       Be on time to collect your child.  Even 5 minutes late can feel like hours when all the other children have left.

·       Read ALL newsletters, notice boards, messages, emails etc.  The number of times parents would say, but we didn’t know.  Yep you did, you just didn’t read ALL the messages that where sent home.  If something important is coming up, mark it on your calendar IMMEDIATELY. Kids don’t like to miss out, like swimming and not sending in the swimmers, towels, or signed notes.  Your child’s teacher has more important things to do, than chasing notes from the parents.

·       Teach your child kindness.  How can they be kind to other children?  The ones who might need a friend, or how to play modelled to them etc.

·       Remember, behaviour is a NEED that hasn’t or isn’t currently being met.  This includes hitting, throwing things, fidgeting, biting fingernails, chewing shirt, running about.  How can the adult try to meet that need?  Let your child move their body before going into class.

·       If your child has developmental delays, please ensure you have made an appointment with your doctor for a referral to either an OT, Bush Kids, Speech Pathologist, Paediatrician or similar as soon as possible for support.  Waiting lists are huge, and schools and teachers can only do so much.  This is your responsibility, the parent.  Just let them know what services your child is referred to.

·       Finally, has your child had their ears & eyes tested prior to going to school?  It is such a good routine to get into and to continue each year.   

·       Best wishes and oh, read every single day with your child. Yep, every single day!