Building your childs confidence and independence for school

Families working together

When children are at school they are encouraged to grow into respectful, kind, co-operative and independent individuals. Parents can support their chidren achieve these qualities by promoting the following at home.

• Teaching children to look after their things and packing up after using something or playing with toys.
• Build relationships by spending time together, using words that praise the child or encourage them to try new things and then rewarding them for being brave.
• Establishing routines by practicing and repeating jobs, tasks or activities every day.

1. Sleep Routine

• Sleep routines are often relaxed in the school holidays and can take a while to adjust the family schedule to get everyone back into morning and bedtime habits.
• Set bedtime routines (bath time, no screen time 1 hour before bed, replace it with family time, book time or listening to music or audio books, lots of cuddles). This routine should apply to the whole family, so no one feels isolated or picked on.
• Older children need structure and routine, but parents should negotiate the bedtime. Older children should be encouraged to use their own alarm clock to wake up in the mornings and practice being responsible for time management.

2. Promote Healthy Eating Habits

• Nutrition is extremely important for our physical and emotional health. It is important for children to have healthy food throughout the day.
• Eating meals at regular times each day also promotes good routines.
• Allow your child to pick out his or her favorite snacks and foods for school and Children should be encouraged to eat independently.

3. Encourage Your Child to Share His or Her Fears

• Make time each day to talk to your child about their day and any worries or fears they have.
• Spend time listening to them and asking them what they tried to do to make things better and then offer ideas about what they could try next time. Practicing problem solving by role-playing these ideas is both fun and useful.
• Focus on the positive/good/fun experiences of the day – ask your child to list three things that they like about the school day.

4. School Bag

• Together with your child, pack their backpack the night before, including hat/ jumper and any books for school (reader or Library book) and in the morning together pack their drink bottle and lunch box. Make sure your child is involved in this task, so they learn how to do this.

5. Choose a Special Object

• For younger children who are nervous about separating, suggest taking a special object to school that reminds him or her of home. (check with the class teacher what items are ok to bring to school)

’Ask Ali ‘…written by Ali Friedrich (CALM Interventions/PPN School Counsellor)