Prepare for the worst, hope for the best – 5 essentials to get the New (school) Year off to a good start

September has a New Year feeling to it. Are you ready for a fresh start? Here are some tips for parents with primary age children in the run up to the start of term.

1. Remember U2!

If you’re reading this you might do…..but remember You Too! In the run up to the New (school) Year, you need to focus on your child, but this is also an opportunity for you to stop and think about how you are showing up in your life. It’s a chance to look forwards and bring about change. Perhaps you don’t a vision for your life or your vision is buried under a pile of washing! Working with a coach enables you to take time to gain clarity, perspective and to become the best version of yourself. Click here for more information.

2. Chatter about school!

Although you may aware of exactly how many days there are to the start of term, your child may be blissfully unaware. Start to chat about school helps them to prepare mentally and avoids it being a surprise. You may like to look at the school website together and talk about their friends and teachers. Encourage them to talk about their feelings relating to school, or try asking them to draw a picture to help to articulate it.

3. Get the garb!

The uniform and school kit may well be on your radar screen but try to involve your child too. Check items still fit, especially if you think they’ve had a growth spurt. (My children’s school trainers always seem to be a size too small!) Let them help you to purchase items and name everything too. Click here for a great checklist from Netmums to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything

4. After school snacktastic!

Being prepared for hungry tummies, by providing a small healthy snack, reduces the risk of your child asking for less healthy options. A healthy snack, immediately after school, also prevents them asking for food just before the evening meal is ready. Here are some of the items I provide at snack time – cheese and crackers, grapes, chopped apple, chopped melon, nuts (if not allergic), ham, chopped cucumber, chopped pepper, filled wraps cut up small, celery sticks with cream cheese.

5. Own the morning routine!

School mornings can be a stressful time. It can be a bad way to start the day for everyone if you are getting worked up about it. Use the holiday time to re-visit the morning routine with your child, empowering them to take responsibility for each activity. Ask them what needs to be done, how long things take and make sure they are aware what time you need to set off for school. What can be completed the night before? Having a visible list really helps my son to stay focused on the tasks ahead.

September is around the corner – bring it on!