15 Feb Helping your child adjust: Tips for the first weeks back to school
Megan Boyd offers practical strategies and key tips to help parents ease the back-to-school transition.
The first weeks back at school after the holidays can be a challenging adjustment for students as they transition from relaxed routines to structured school days. Parents play an important role in supporting this transition and can help children manage their emotions, re-establish healthy habits, and stay motivated.
Here are several practical strategies and key tips parents can consider to help ease the back-to-school transition.
Re-introduce a consistent sleep schedule: Re-establishing a routine is key for a smooth return to school and a consistent sleep schedule plays a significant role in this process. Ensuring children go to bed and wake up at regular times will support better sleep, helping them maintain focus and energy throughout the school day.
Lunchbox prep: Preparing lunchbox snacks and meals in advance can help students feel more organised and ready for the school day. Parents can help by planning—or encouraging their child to plan—what to pack ahead of time. This could involve organising snacks the night before or shopping and preparing on Sundays for the week ahead. Remember, students need to eat a healthy, balanced diet to maintain their energy levels, stay focused, and avoid the mid-afternoon slump.
Focus on the positives: As students return to the classroom, it’s key to focus on the positive aspects of the year ahead. Encourage your child to talk about what they are looking forward to—whether it’s reconnecting with friends, exploring new subjects or topics, taking up a new extracurricular activity or planning for an upcoming school trip or overnight camp. If students are feeling uncertain about the year ahead, remind them that mixed emotions are completely normal and a natural part of life. Highlight that the start of the school year is a chance to embrace new challenges, set goals, and approach learning with a fresh perspective. By encouraging a positive outlook and talking through expectations, you can help boost your child’s confidence and reduce any negative emotions they may be experiencing.
Reconnect with friends: Connection is so important for young people as they return to school. If possible, it can be helpful to arrange a catch-up with a classmate or friend outside of school hours. This can help ease any nerves and build excitement for the term ahead. For students who have started at a new school, discuss the many opportunities available to make new connections—whether through school clubs, sports, or different classes.
Expect fatigue: Fatigue is completely normal for students as they adjust to the term-time routine—especially if students are undertaking big transitions like Prep, Year 7, or a new school. During the first few weeks of school students are adjusting to new teachers, classrooms, learning experiences, and friendships, so don’t be surprised if your child feels exhausted—or even a little moody—as they settle into the back-to-school rhythm. Encourage your child to prioritise rest after school to recharge, and if possible, keep after-school activities low-key.
Collaboration between home and school: Remember, a three-way partnership between families, students, and teachers is important for a successful school year. This creates a supportive environment that ensures students receive the guidance, encouragement, and resources they need to thrive academically and personally throughout the school year. To support this collaboration, make an effort to stay informed about important school news and updates by reading your emails, attending parent-teacher meetings, or checking school platforms.
The transition back to school after the holidays can be an adjustment for students, but with the right support, it can also be a time of excitement and growth. With patience, understanding, and a positive outlook, students can start the school year feeling confident and prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Megan Boyd, is Dean of Students at Strathcona Girls Grammar
