It’s natural for children – and parents – to feel nervous about going back to school after the holidays. That’s why we’ve pulled together information, advice and tips to tackle any worries about going back to primary school.
In this short video, GP and mum Dr Punam Krishan has some great advice to help you get into some good habits, including how to get organised, eating well, fitting in exercise and how to chill out.
My child is worried and asking lots of questions – what if I don’t know the answers?
If your child is asking questions, that’s great – after all, talking is a really good way for them to share how they feel. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers, the most important thing is that you’re there for them when they need someone to talk to.
If your child does have questions you can’t answer, why not make a list of them together so that you can ask the school? Even just writing down their worries might help you both feel less anxious.
What if I'm worried about my child’s mental health?
If you’re worried about your child’s mental wellbeing speak to your GP or your child’s school. We have some articles on the things you can do to support your child’s mental health here.
The Solihull Approach Online courses cover a range of topics and ages from pregnancy to 19+ years. These courses are for everyone, for everyday parenting. They don’t tell you how to parent, that’s up to you. Instead they offer a way to understand what might be going on and space to think about how you want to respond. You can find out more at www.inourplace.co.uk and access the courses for free using the code TARTAN.
What to do if I’m feeling anxious about it all too?
After everything that’s happened, it’s no wonder you might feel worried as a parent. To help yourself feel less anxious, it’s important to take some time for yourself – even if it’s just a few minutes in a quiet, relaxing spot to get a little breathing space. Our page on looking after your mental health has more advice that can help.
Is there any other support I can get?
Chatting to other parents from your child’s school about how you feel can be a way to open everyone’s eyes to similar anxieties and concerns. Never feel that you have to worry alone, as there’s always support you can reach out to. Our page on mental health advice for parents has more information.
Family Support Directory
Find more support for your family's mental health from trusted organisations in our Family Support Directory.