Royal Flying Doctor Service - South Eastern Section
As parents all across Australia prepare for their children for new challenges in 2025, Royal Flying Doctor Service Child, Adolescent and Family Clinical Lead, Lesley Harvey has some advice for when the change causes anxiety or concern.
A new year brings about new possibilities and for children and younger people, this can include a new school, leaving home or returning to school. For some there is excitement and for others hesitation and worries. Often exhilaration and worry are emotions which can be intently felt at the same time and may be difficult for kids and younger people to understand.
Parents also can experience mixed feelings about their children staring school or moving away. Its an adjustment to have other adults in the carer role during the schooling year. It can be challenging not knowing how your children might feel when you leave them at school or the boarding house, and there are things to help them and yourselves.
Try not to dismiss a child’s feelings – acknowledge their worries or excitement, answer their questions in an age-appropriate manner. Talk with your child about what to expect across the whole day, whom they might speak to if they need support, read books about going to school and for older children make plans of how you will stay in contact.
Help them to develop independence – practice opening their own lunch box, peeling food, opening packets, to care for their own belongings and to prepare for the school day. Practise putting on their school uniform prior to the first day, this ensures they have everything they need and can feel comfortable. Staring school can be overwhelming in the first few weeks and your child may be tired. Having snacks and drinks in the afternoon on pick up and giving them time to relax before asking them about their day can assist through co-regulation.
Develop sleeping patterns at least a week before school going back – Bedtime routine ensure children are getting enough sleep and might include reading with them, tucking them in, having a warm cup of milk or a shower/bath before bed. Practice morning routines – be with them in the moment and try not to hurry them in the morning, give them time and plan ahead the new routines.
Encourage children to play across all ages – play allows children to practise skills for example through board games (turn taking, winning, losing and following instructions) or social skills in pretend play as they negotiate roles. Play can bring positive emotions and time together as a family encourages conversations and fun.
If you are concerned about how your child or young person is responding to the new routines and being away from home, reach out to the school to seek support. Other parents can be a good support for yourself and please take time to look after you.
Author:
Lesley Harvey is the Royal Flying Doctor Service Child and Family Mental Health Clinician based in Broken Hill.
Lesley has a background in early childhood and special education and has worked in Broken Hill and surrounding communities for the past 20 years.
