12 Tips for a Stress-Free Back to School
Whether your kids are heading to school for the first time, starting high school or changing schools, it can often be accompanied by a little bit of stress and anxiety.
I am not just talking the kids here either – many of us mums feel very anxious and a bit teary about sending our precious bundles off the school!
I feel like a veteran school mum with one child heading to Year 12 and the other in his third year of uni. Where does the time go?
Here are my top tips to make back to school calm and stress-free!
1. Be positive
Whenever you are talking about school, keep a positive attitude. Kids will quickly pick up any anxiety or negativity you might be feeling about it. Talk about all the fun things you used to do at school and all the friends you made.
2. Pack a yummy lunch
Pack something your child loves to eat for the first day so they are looking forward to it.
3. Do a reccy (reconnaissance mission)
If you are able, get permission to visit the school in the holidays. Hang out on the swings, stroll around the buildings, find the toilets and get familiar with the layout before the big day. Most places will have an orientation day, but visiting when its quiet can make a difference.
4. Aromatherapy oils
Put a drop or two of essential oils on a hanky for your child to sniff if they are feeling a little anxious. Try 123 Nourish Me’s Calm Down and Confidence roll ons specifically designed for kids!
Mums, don’t forget to do the same for yourself!
5. Buddy up
See if you can find someone who will be in your child’s class. Have them over for a play date before-hand to get friendly and chat about school. Encourage them to look out for each other on the day.
6. Keep it simple
Make sure bags, bottles and lunch boxes are easy to access for little fingers. It’s not much fun struggling with layers of clingwrap to get to your lunch! Try these brilliant, reusable sandwich and snack pockets that have velcro closures.
7. After-school fun
Although they will most likely be exhausted, a small treat to look forward to after school can be something to get them through the day. A visit to the park or reading their favourite story perhaps?
8. Love note or magic banana
Write your kids a cute little love note, jokes or pop some stickers in their lunchbox for a nice surprise! For the ultimate in cool and eco-friendly, write a message on a banana with a skewer. By lunch time, it will have magically appeared.
9. Have a morning routine
A set time to get up and a routine to follow will keep that morning chaos to a minimum and keep everyone calm. Use checklists and have a central point for the all school stuff.
10. Play school
Have a fun day at home where you play ‘school’. Get up, get ready, get the uniform on and have brekky in real school time. Go outside for lunch and practice opening the new lunch boxes.
11. Crystals
Let your child choose a few crystals to carry in their pocket. Agate is calming and comforting. Calcite helps alleviate fear and can reduce stress. Aquamarine can calm nerves and help banish fear and phobias. My kids have always loved doing this!
12. Flower Essences
Alisha at Naughty Naturopath Mum has an amazing Back to School pack containing four flower essence blends for kids (and parents) to help with back to school emotions. Find them here.
What tips do you have for a stress free back to school?