How to help your child with the transition to school

Now is the time to start helping your child get ready for school. Even if your child went to school last year, returning to school after a long break is a big change.

Here are some simple ways you can help:

Talk about it as much as possible. Parents may avoid talking about returning to school in case it upsets their child but talking about it is DEFINITELY better than avoiding it! The more you talk about it, the more familiar the idea will be when the day comes and therefore, less stress.
Mark the return to school on a calendar your child can see and have them cross off the days so they can mentally prepare.
Look at photos of school, their friends, their new teacher, and/or drive past the school frequently and talk about it. This will start the conversation and gives them an opportunity to bring up anything they might be worried about.
Have them talk about what they think they might do on the first day, who they might play with etc. This helps them to visualise themselves at school, in their uniform, with their friends and start to think about it positively.
Write a list together about everything they like/are excited about in relation to school. Read the list together every day.
Acknowledge and allow their feelings, even if it’s worry or sadness. You can remind them that it’s OK to be nervous, even if they’re excited as well. You might tell them about a time that you felt the same thing, like going back to your job after the holidays or back when you were at school!

Written by Emily Baxter

Blossom Rural Director & Speech Pathologist (B.SP, CPSP)

"As a Speech Pathologist, I love working with rural families on their child’s literacy, speech and language skills. I opened Blossom Rural in January 2021 after noticing the lack of Speech Pathology services in my local Far Western NSW region. The number of rural children, living on properties and remote towns, who were not able to access regular Speech Pathology intervention without driving to a major capital city, was astounding. These were the families I had always hoped to work alongside and provide an accessible service to. I grew up in Broken Hill before heading to Adelaide for Boarding School at 12 years of age followed by university. The healthcare gap between country and city was very obvious!"

Top Tips for Successful Mealtimes

Do any other families just absolutely shudder at the idea of mealtimes? Well trust me, you are not alone.

How should I read with my child?

Wondering how to read with your preschooler? You can start reading with your children from as young as birth! Reading is amazing to help support your child develop their ability to talk and understand words, and eventually be able to read and spell those words later on.