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Tackling back-to-school blues

Children need some extra care and attention when they return to school after a break. Here are some valuable tips

PHOTO: SAMPATH KUAMR

LOOKING FORWARD Is back to school blues setting in?

It's time to hear the morning chorus from your little ones: "Amma, it's a holiday today!" or "I don't want to go to school," as Onam holidays are coming to an end.

Getting back to school can bring mixed feelings. Toddlers go through the pangs of separation again. They may cling more to parents. Some may forget their toilet training. At times like these children need extra attention and reassurance.

Getting children back to a systematic routine after a break needs a bit of tact and firmness on part of parents.

Morning rush

Children need time to adjust. Here are a few tips that can help you get back to that perfect morning routine.

A few days before reopening day, take your child along the route they take to go to school. Talk about the familiar things they can spot. If they take the school bus, talk about their experiences and about other children who accompany them in the bus. Ask children for directions to their school as you approach so that they not only learn to give directions but also feel reassured that you know the way.

For the young children try and visit their class before the first day or accompany them on their first day. Ask them to point out their place in class, the place they keep their bags or water bottles. If this is not allowed then take them around the school. This helps them get familiar with the setting and develop a sense of security.

Make sure all the school supplies that are required for the new term are bought well in advance. Check the school diaries for any instruction given by the teacher. Mark your child's name in any new item that is taken to school to avoid any conflict arising out of mistaking similar things. Pack the school bags together with your child. Get them excited about going to school. "I didn't have much trouble sending my daughter to playschool. I suppose she imagined school to be similar to her story about `Bubbles goes to School," says Anjali.

When you buy new shoes, jackets, raincoats for your child to use this new term take your child shopping. He/she will help in selecting articles of their choice and be excited about using them in school.

As schools are mainly about set routines and behaviours get your children ready for a school routine a few days before school reopens. Help them get adjusted to the rhythm of wake up time, breakfast time, toilet time, TV watching time and bedtime. If you speak to the teacher regarding your fears about your child's first day or separation make sure the child does not overhear.

Set a homework time and space. If your child has a holiday assignment make sure he or she does it at a specific time each day and at a specific place. Encourage them to keep all things from pencil to books required for their homework in one place. This will help them stick to their homework routine when school reopens.

If your child has joined for some hobby class or sports coaching, keep it going to maintain the interest. Try to integrate it into his school year. Do not classify it as something that is done only on vacation, or as an alternative to idling away at home. Maria, a nine-year-old says, "I used to go for mental maths class during my summer holidays. Now it helps me do my sums quickly in class."

Family affair

During short holidays, keep up the learning spirit by visiting theme parks, museums, a ship at the docks (if you can manage a visit), or a local game. Learn and talk about different things that you can see there. Alternatively, you can engage them in brain games, word searches, reading adventures and trivia that will encourage them to stay in focus and complete a task. Making it a family affair will only add to the fun.

Maya, a Childhood Education Coordinator in Chennai emphasises that parents pay a little attention to what might be going through in a child's mind when getting back to school. "My colleagues and me do our best to make kindergarten a comforting experience especially on the child's first day. We encourage parents to join them in a few activities during the first few days. For the children this is the first step towards being an independent individual. It is a major change for young minds."

Finally, here is something that all kids will enjoy. Make the last day of your holiday a wacky celebration. Have a family get-together, a dinner party with some special holiday dishes and maybe even a cake to mark going back to school. Most of all it is your enthusiasm that will determine your child's mood on his first day. Be excited and positive for your apprehension and anxiety is likely to rub off on your child.

Happily to school

Some tips to help your child go back to school happily.

li A few days before school reopens day take your child along the school route.

li Pack the school bags together with him/her.

li Try and accompany your child if he/she is in Kindergarten and Primary on their first day.

li Help them adjust to the rhythm of wake up time, breakfast time, toilet time, TV watching time and bedtime.

li Most of all it's your enthusiasm that will determine your child's mood on the first day. Be excited and positive.

li During vacation too keep up the learning spirit. Engage them in brain games, word searches and reading.

APARNA NAMBIAR

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