A good night's sleep means a good day at school! View our children's beds.
Going back to school, or going for the very first time, can be extremely nerve wracking for children, but it can also be a trying time for parents too. You might be worried that your little one won’t be able to cope without you, or they’ll get swept aside in the mayhem of lunchtime and end up with a rumbling tum! You might be concerned they will crumble without their favourite teddy for comfort or they will struggle to fit in...
To ease your worries we’ve put together a list of tips, with the help of Stacey Turner - parent, teacher and childhood separation anxiety expert.
- Remember your teacher is human too and doesn't have magical powers, but he/she is an incredible person with lots of patience and is more than capable settling the class.
- Never underestimate the value of a nutritional balanced breakfast and a good night's sleep for a successful day ahead. Make sure your child’s bedroom promotes sleep and they have a comfortable, spacious children’s bed to help them relax after a hard day’s studying!
- School uniform promotes a feeling of inclusiveness, so ensure your child adheres to the rules and turns up each day looking neat, tidy and ready to learn.
- Ensure everything belonging to your child is labelled clearly. You definitely don’t want to end up forking out for a whole new uniform while the one you just bought sits in the lost property box!
- Be as organised as you possibly can. It won’t hurt to get those uniforms, shoes and book bags ready the night before instead of running round like a lunatic in the morning. We’ve all done it and it’s not pretty!
- Make sure the teacher and teaching assistants are aware of any medical needs your child may have. Don’t assume they know.
- While transitional objects are important for settling and soothing, it isn’t wise to send your child to school with treasured possessions. Teachers can’t be held responsible for them and they could end up getting lost. Cue tears and tantrums...
- If you have an anxious child or a child known to suffer from separation anxiety, let your teachers know so they can work with you to help at drop-off, especially if it's causing you to get upset too. There are lots of techniques to put in place to offer support for a softer start.
- Remember the teacher wants your child to settle as much as you do!
- It's a nice idea to practice eating in a dining room scenario with a little tray, plate, cup and cutlery. Leave a little space for the pudding! Show your child how to clear away, throw leftovers in the bin, place cutlery away to be washed etc. If your child is taking a packed lunch, make sure you're sending in containers and packets that can be opened easily.
- Get used to reading with your child as much as possible, especially from the world around them such as road signs and menus. Tracing and creating letters is also useful through art or creative play.
- Check your child's bag daily for letters, notes and the odd party invitation!
- Don’t compare your child to others, every child learns at their own pace. School readiness is NOT just about being able to read phonetically and count.
- Keep your child at home if he or she is poorly. That 48-hour rule is there for a reason. Don’t get yourself in the bad books!
- We must mention nits... It's a good idea to wash your child's hair with an appropriate nit deterrent shampoo and check their hair regularly. These pesky creatures can live in clean, washed hair and will stay there until treated.
- Be prepared and take snacks at pick up time for the journey home. Your child will be hungry and possibly irritable! Having a snack helps to settle hunger, as well as calm and soothe any pent-up tension from having to behave all day!
- Prepare for after-school meltdowns by understanding how hard it is for a four or five year-old to hold it together all day. Don't arrange too many after-school activities or play dates. Instead, give them time to settle in and space to wind down to get used to the school routine.
- Starting school means new friendships and learning about relationships. If your child comes home and is sad about other children, speak to the teacher. While you're urged not to take things too literally, your child's emotional and social skills are emerging and they will need nurturing during this tricky time.
- Trust in the teacher. If you have any problems, go and talk to the school immediately. Any teething issues can be resolved, so don't hesitate! A good teacher knows the importance of effective communication and teaming up with parents.
Want to know more about our children’s beds and how they promote a good night’s sleep?
Call a member of our friendly team on 0845 8030988 or email [email protected] with any questions about our products or to place an order.