Whether you’ve found being at home together a time to treasure, or the constant juggle a challenge, the time has come to start preparing for the transition back to school and kinder. It may be exciting for some, but it could also be scary, nerve-racking or sad for others.
Children, educators and parents may need some extra support or strategies in place for managing wellbeing during the transition, whilst also adjusting to a new norm.
Keep an open line of communication
More than ever, communication is essential. Keep talking to children about how they are feeling. Let them know that it is okay to have whatever feelings they are having and that this is an unusual experience for everyone. It may be worth drawing or writing about their feelings to help children express themselves.
Work together
Following on from communication, teachers and parents should stay in contact with one another as well. Remember we’re all going through these changes together and will all face different challenges as things evolve and adjustments take place. Compassion is key!
Create a familiar routine
As much as possible, try to move back towards the routine that children may have previously been familiar with. If a new routine is necessary, that’s okay too. Draw the day’s routine on a piece of paper or whiteboard where everyone can see. Encourage children to look to it to know what to expect and what they need to do. Same goes for in the classroom – explaining what the days will look like and what’s coming next can reduce anxiety and make children feel more secure and supported. As always, a routine should include movement, healthy eating and ample quality sleep.
Be flexible
While adhering to the routine is ideal, it may not be as simple as just sticking to it day in, day out. Be flexible and understanding as we all get used to this new phase of the pandemic we have been facing together. If children take a little longer to “get up and at ‘em” in the mornings, don’t assume they are being lazy – it’s just a matter of getting used to the new normal.
Reflecting on isolation
We’ve all been living in a very different way for the last couple of months, which has been difficult for many. We’d appreciate you sharing your experiences with us especially around the challenges you faced while working from home with children by completing a short ‘Working from Home’ survey.
As a small token of our appreciation, you will receive access to the Top Three Meditation Stories with Bonkers the Monkey. During this transitioning time, don’t forget to take a moment for yourself to slow down and relax. So use these soundtracks to help your child/ren to meditate and relax too!
Please click HERE to answer a few questions and get a gift from us.