Navigating Back-to-School in 2023
by Doctor Katrina Lines, Act for Kids Chief Executive Officer & Psychologist
It’s that time of the year where families are racing around to tick off all the back-to-school requirements for the kids, such as buying new shoes, uniforms, books pens and pencils. Act for Kids understands it can be an anxious time, not only financially but also for children, parents and carers as kids begin their new journey at school, whether that be starting prep, their first day of high school or year twelve. It’s important parents and carers encourage children of all ages to feel excited about the new learning opportunities a new year at schools brings to help ease any nerves they may feel. Often, it’s a fear of the unknown, particularly for the prep students starting school for the very first time. This can be an extremely daunting experience for children, parents and carers. However, there are some simple steps families can take to start the year off on the right foot. We experts recommend the following things to ease the nerves and help make the adjustment a little more seamless.
Set a weekday routine in the last couple of weeks of the holidays, as this will help to ensure the kids are getting into the right mindset in preparation to go back to school and spend hours in a classroom concentrating.
- Nourish your children with healthy foods and ensure they’re getting plenty of sleep
- Familiarise yourself and your child with the school drop off/pick up zones so everyone knows where to go at the appropriate times
- Plan ahead of time to avoid rushing, especially during the first few days
- Make sure your child knows how and where they can get help at school
Set up a school routine so everyone knows what to expect on school days
Act for Kids is a for-purpose organisation that works tirelessly to help keep kids safe, heal from trauma and lead happy lives. The team delivers evidence-based support to thousands of children and adults every year through intensive family support, integrated therapy, residential care and educational programs. You can learn more about Act for Kids via www.actforkids.com.au
