Switching from a holiday routine to a school routine

During the holidays, many families have a different routine than they do during the school year. You can make the transition from the holiday schedule to the school schedule gradual. For example, start adjusting your child's sleep pattern during the last week of the holidays. Have your child go to bed a little earlier and get up a little earlier each day. This helps your child get into the school routine. Also think about eating habits and the amount of screen time, which may have been more relaxed during the holidays. Gradually returning to the clear agreements and structure you had before the holidays will help your child with the transition back to school. You can also take a look at the school supplies your child needs.

How does your child feel about going back to school? 

Ask your child how they feel about school starting again during the week before it begins. What is your child looking forward to, and what are they dreading? What did your child miss about school? Perhaps it was friends, certain lessons or activities, or the structure that gives your child a sense of security. Look forward together with your child to enjoyable things on the horizon, such as the school trip, learning to read in year 1, joining the senior classes when your child moves into year 4, or the school musical in year 6.

Hold on to what worked during the holidays  

The transition back to school is easier if your child can continue doing things they enjoyed during the holidays. For example, did playing outside make them happy? Or did they especially enjoy reading a good book? Or have you discovered a sport that your child likes? Then see whether your child can continue doing it when the school year begins.

You can also try to maintain habits that worked well during the holidays. For example, a daily moment of relaxation or another habit that helps your child feel good. 

My child is repeating a year. What now?

Repeating a year is often a sensitive subject. If this is the case, give your child space to talk about it during the holidays. But also make sure that the entire holiday does not revolve around repeating the year. Your child probably already knows a few children, or the teacher may remain the same. If it helps your child, they may be able to make contact with children from the new class in advance. This lowers the barrier to starting the new school year.

Changes in the new school year

The start of a new school year often brings changes, such as new class groupings, new children in the class, or a different teacher. The first days and weeks at school are important for forming groups and friendships. Therefore, consider the following tips:

  • Talk to your child about what to expect. Especially if new children are joining the class, there is a new class grouping, or your child is moving to a different class.

  • Talk about the subjects that are different from last year and about the other children in the class.

  • Invite a classmate your child is already friends with, for example during the last week of the holidays.

  • Is your child going to a new school? Visit the school before the school year begins and try to meet the new classmates in advance. This often makes it a little less daunting for your child.

  • Be aware of your influence as a parent. If you speak negatively or worriedly about children in the class or about the new teacher, your child will take this over. Highlight the positive aspects; this will help your child start the year with a positive attitude.

How can you encourage your child?

Talk to your child about what they do and do not want to do in the new school year. Perhaps your child wants to make new friends, pay better attention in class, or improve at something. Ask your child how they plan to do this and how you can help. This encourages self-confidence and enables your child to start the new school year enthusiastically.

What can you change at home?

The new school year is a good time to encourage your child's independence. Depending on your child's age, you can agree on a new task together. For example, setting the table, emptying the dishwasher, or watering the plants. Choose something that suits your child. And enjoy seeing your child learn to do new things.