This week, as many kids head back to school there are so many things to think about from new school supplies, books, uniforms and lunches to pack. Have you thought about what they are going through and the pressure that they may be under?
Anxious feelings are expected as they enter a new chapter of their life and get use to the change. Often this transition can be much more difficult for some families members too.
To ensure everyone copes with the new change make sure everyone gets enough sleep and develops a new routine. It is also important to encourage your child to share his or her fears and to discuss that it is normal to have these concerns. Avoid just giving your child reassurance that nothing bad will happen as nobody knows that. Instead explain how they may solve those issues if they arise.
Try to bring out the positives with this new experience such as making new friends and ask them what they are most excited about. You might even be surprised with the answer.
Most importantly be mindful of your own behaviour when around your child. When saying goodbye after dropping them off at school be cheerful about what the day might bring and excited for the experiences they will have. Kids will pick up on your emotion more than you think so be sure to be more mindful of this.
After being in a routine and as the weeks progress keep an eye on your child to see how they are coping. If you have any concerns get in touch with a psychologist to help make this transition easier.
Always keep in mind to be an empowering parent. Every child holds his or her own greatness and it is your job to help nurture and believe in that too. The idea of empowering your child is to make them feel and believe they have the power to do anything they choose. Limitations shouldn’t be set which is something adults always do. If you ask any adult right now if nobody in the world got paid but you still had to work, what would you do? This question often surprises people and reminds them of being like a child where you take away all of those barriers you put up. Create that space for your child where anything and everything is possible if you are willing to work for it. Let them believe in the unknown and let them fall and pick them- selves up again. Why should we not live a life of adventure and do what we truly love. Empower your kids, encourage them and most importantly love them.