By: Natasha Archary
Wasn’t it just yesterday we were preparing for the year-end holidays, time with loved ones and a break from corporate life? However short-lived those precious weeks were, we are now smack bang into 2021 and gearing up for a highlight of a different note. The start of the new school year.
Cue anxiety, tears, sad little faces and panic attacks. The rush of reality is about to consume you until the first term break. Nothing sparks fear more than the possibility that the kids will catch COVID-19 when schools reopen, but it doesn’t need to be a terrifying ordeal.
PREPARATION
Mentally prepare for the transition a week before the term is to start. This will allow you to embrace the new schedules, night-time routines, hectic early mornings and pending meltdowns in traffic.
Have a checklist of items you need to get for each child, from snacks to stationery and schedules. Check off each item as you go and do a final check the night before.
TALK ABOUT IT
Little ones have meltdowns over what may seem like the silliest things to you; the wrong colour sippy cup, changing the channel while Peppa Pig is on and not cutting the crust off their cheese sandwiches. It is for this reason you should do your best to ease them into the new change.
It’s perfectly normal to have children who are terrified of school and you should do you best to ease their concerns. Talk about the return to school with your child and allow them to express their fears without ridicule.
HOUSEKEEPING
Spend some time cleaning up cupboards and the home in general a few days before school starts. You want to avoid early morning screaming matches when vests don’t fit and they can’t find socks that match.
Organise all gear and uniforms and arrange them on easy-to-access shelves so your children can get them without help. Show your child where everything is and ask if they need help getting ready every morning. Chances are older kids will do just fine but the younger ones may need you to supervise and help.
BREAKFAST
Don’t skip breakfast. Ever. No matter how hectic the mornings get and how late you are running. Your child needs to eat something substantial before heading out for a full day. Have your breakfasts prepared the night before or in the freezer for reheating quickly before you head out the door.
If you don’t mind eating in your car, pack travel-friendly meals for everyone to enjoy on the ride. Here’s a list of effortless breakfast fixes for easier mornings.
PACK ENTERTAINMENT
There’s nothing worse than a child screaming in the backseat while you try to concentrate on the road. You’re never prepared for it but it’s bound to happen. Ensure you pack their favourite game, book or electronic device to get you through traffic and everyone at their respective destinations safely.
The first day back is always the hardest to get through. It’s an emotional day, if you have a rough start on the first day, don’t use it as a gauge for how the rest of the year will go. Each day is different yes, but your approach should be solid and set in stone to set the tone for the year ahead.
