How to prepare for a stress-free return to school, for parents and children

Back to school is just around the corner, and with it an endless to-do list, and seemingly endless purchases to be made. It can be a stressful time for both parents and children. This year we’re in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, and feeling the pinch much more than before.

For some children, school closures provided a belief that school attendance was not “imperative”, Noctor says. “Avoidance became a viable option or coping strategy, but this is a poor coping strategy and is also an unsustainable one. Many teens on the periphery of the education system have especially struggled to reintegrate and re-engage.”

For students with additional needs, Noctor suggests a similar approach but to include reassurances that any additional requirements, such as learning aids, will be sourced for them. Some may need reassurance that these won’t make them “stand out”, that its purpose is to support them.Few things are more certain to crush a parent than asking their child “who did you play with today?” only to hear the reply “no one”.

The opposite, however, is also true. “Social rejection that can happen so easily in school can literally hurt a child. The same part of the brain fires when a child is rejected by their peers, as when a child burns their hand,” he says. ‘Teenagers generally don’t like to talk about the fact that they are struggling to make friends, but it is far more common than we would like to think’

Five- to 12-year-olds need between nine and 12 hours sleep, while those aged 13 to 18 need eight to 10 hours, sleep consultant Tessa O’Connor explains. Along with irritability, lack of sleep can lead to “lack of motivation, difficulties concentrating and learning, increased stress levels, and forgetfulness”, she says.

Visual aids such as reward charts can help. She also advises parents to limit screen time before bed, and adds that blackout blinds can be very helpful for children who struggle to sleep due to the brighter evenings. O’Connor also recommends avoiding stimulants such as energy drinks, fizzy drinks and tea and coffee, and setting a regular wake time. “If your teenager has trouble falling asleep, consider helping them find a relaxation technique like meditation, listening to relaxing music or an audiobook.”Ask any parent the best thing about the school summer holidays and a considerable number are likely to list “not having to make school lunches” near the top.

Source: Education Headlines (educationheadlines.net)

Living cost & anxious, Buseireann messed up school bus tickets. Noone is talking about what is about to have a massive impact on families, no schoolbus tickets, after 11 years of getting them. Gov annou free 4all without what appears to be any forward thinking. Education_Ire

Roll on mid term! Have had a great Summer.

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Energy supplies to be stress-tested to ensure State is prepared for major shocksRegulator calls for electricity firms to charge users more during peak evening times due to ‘significant risks’ to supply IrishTimes
Source: IrishTimesBiz - 🏆 6. / 77 Read more »

Parents of toddler killed by car in Co Roscommon thought child was still in bedThe child's parents are believed to have come to Ireland on holidays from the UK and were staying with family members when the incident occurred yesterday, shortly after 9am
Source: RSVPMagazine - 🏆 7. / 76 Read more »

Claire Byrne admits the pet peeves that ‘really bug her’ with family at homeThe radio presenter was joined by the CEO of Parent Line, Aileen Hickey, and children's author Shane Hegarty who discussed the things that can cause problems at home
Source: RSVPMagazine - 🏆 7. / 76 Read more »

Irish parents spit at and threaten bookshop owner over school book delays'This year my staff, some only teenagers doing a few hours for me, have been verbally abused and I've had to step in and say: 'Hold on! It's not a life threatening situation, they are only school books.'
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »

Parents concerned over gaps in children’s learning following Covid-related disruptionSurvey shows many do not feel enough additional support has been provided to help pupils catch up Whatever damage the lockdowns, masking children with corruption , bussiness closers, friend and family fallouts or 💉 damage caused the very people working/writing for this publisher are in need of a high priority treatment also, let's not forget our real 'friends' in all this. Based on
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Parents 'thought child was in bed asleep' when he was hit by car in Co RoscommonGardaí are now investigating the incident but confirmed that no foul play is suspected.
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »