The first week of school is a critical time for children as they transition from the relaxed pace of summer holidays to the structured environment of the classroom. While this period is often filled with excitement, it can also bring anxiety, stress, and uncertainty. As parents and caregivers, ensuring your child’s mental health and well-being during this time is paramount. By focusing on emotional support, routine adjustments, and proactive communication, you can help your child navigate the first week back at school with confidence and ease. Recognising the Emotional Impact of Returning to School The return to school can stir a range of emotions in children. For some, the excitement of seeing friends and starting new classes is mixed with nervousness about meeting new teachers, facing academic challenges, or adjusting to changes such as a new school or year group. These emotions are entirely normal but can be overwhelming if not addressed. It’s important to acknowledge and validate your child’s feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions, and that many of their classmates likely feel the same way. By normalising these feelings, you can reduce the stigma around anxiety and encourage your child to express themselves openly. Establishing a Calm and Supportive Routine One of the most effective ways to support your child’s mental well-being during the first week of school is by establishing a calm and supportive routine. Mornings, in particular, set the tone for the day, so focus on creating a stress-free start. Ensure that your child has enough time for a healthy breakfast, a relaxed morning routine, and a positive send-off to school.In the evenings, create a wind-down routine that includes time for relaxation and reflection. This could involve reading together, talking about the day, or engaging in a calming activity like drawing or listening to music. A consistent bedtime is crucial for ensuring that your child gets enough rest, which is directly linked to their ability to cope with stress and anxiety. Encouraging Open Communication The first week of school is a time when children may need extra reassurance and support. Encouraging open communication is key to helping them manage any concerns or anxieties they may have. Make it a point to check in with your child daily, asking open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling about school today?” or “Is there anything on your mind that you want to talk about?”If your child is reluctant to share, try leading by example. Share your own experiences of feeling nervous or uncertain in new situations, and explain how you managed those feelings. This can help your child feel more comfortable opening up and can provide them with strategies for coping with their emotions. Building Resilience and Coping Skills Building resilience is an important aspect of supporting your child’s mental health. Resilience helps children bounce back from setbacks and adapt to new challenges. During the first week of school, focus on teaching your child coping skills that will help them manage stress and anxiety throughout the school year.Simple techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk can be incredibly effective. Encourage your child to take a few deep breaths if they start to feel overwhelmed, or to use positive affirmations like “I can handle this” when faced with a challenge. These skills not only help at the moment, but also build long-term resilience. Managing Expectations and Reducing Pressure The first week of school can come with high expectations, both from parents and children themselves. However, it’s important to manage these expectations and reduce unnecessary pressure. Understand that this week is about adjustment, not perfection. It’s okay if everything doesn’t go perfectly—what matters most is that your child feels supported and understood.Encourage your child to take things one step at a time, and remind them that it’s normal to need time to adjust. Celebrate small wins, such as making a new friend or completing a challenging task, and reinforce the idea that effort and progress are more important than perfection. Supporting Social Connections Social connections play a vital role in a child’s mental well-being, especially during the first week of school. Positive relationships with peers can help reduce feelings of anxiety and increase feelings of belonging. Encourage your child to reach out to old friends and be open to making new ones.If your child is struggling with social interactions, provide guidance on how to initiate conversations or join group activities. You can also facilitate social opportunities outside of school, such as play dates or joining clubs, to help them build connections in a more relaxed setting. Monitoring for Signs of Stress or Anxiety While some stress and anxiety are normal during the first week of school, it’s important to monitor your child for signs that they may be struggling more than usual. Look out for changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal, irritability, changes in sleep patterns, or physical complaints like headaches or stomach aches, which can often be linked to stress.If you notice any of these signs, take time to talk with your child about what they’re experiencing. Offer reassurance and let them know that you’re there to support them. If the anxiety persists or seems to be affecting their ability to function, consider seeking advice from a teacher or school counsellor. Promoting Self-Care and Relaxation The first week of school can be draining for children, both mentally and physically. Promoting self-care and relaxation during this time is essential. Encourage your child to engage in activities that they enjoy and that help them relax, whether it’s playing a favourite game, spending time outdoors, or simply having some quiet time alone.As a parent, model self-care by taking time to relax and recharge yourself. Children often mimic the behaviours they see in their parents, so showing that you value self-care can encourage them to do the same. FAQs How can I help my child cope with anxiety during the first week of school What are some effective ways to encourage open communication with my child? How can I teach my child resilience during the school year? What should I do if my child is struggling to make friends? How can I monitor my child’s mental well-being during the first week of school? What role do teachers play in supporting my child’s mental health?