Term 1, 2019 is fast approaching and I would love to share some of my top tips with you to help your family ease back into the new school year. 

As a teacher and parent, I know that starting school for the first time and returning to school can be a nerve wracking and stressful time for children of all ages. Not to mention their loved ones!

According to the Kidsmatter  website, one in seven school-aged children suffer from a mental health problem including anxiety, depression and behaviour problems. But only one in four actually receive help. So this year, Head and Heart Mindfulness plan to improve these statistics with our innovative mindfulness programs. 

In the meantime, here are some of my back to school tips to help keep worries to a minimum...

• ALWAYS talk about school, teachers and friends in a positive way in front of your children

• remind your child of all of the fun and exciting things that they will participate in and learn about at school

• tell your child that no matter who their teacher is, their teacher will love them (believe me we love all of our students for their different personalities and qualities)

• remind your child that school is a safe place

• reassure them that they will know people in their class, be able to play with friends from previous classes in the playground and have the opportunity to make new friends

• get your child into a healthy eating and sleeping routine 

• talk to your children about their worries, validate their feelings and find a tool to help them deal with their worries e.g. write them down, tell a worry toy, practise mindful breathing etc.

• reassure them that other students, and even the teachers, will be nervous and it is important to be brave like (their favourite brave movie/book character)

• practise mindful breathing exercises even when your child is relaxed to help them use breathing as a calming strategy when needed

• practise positive affirmations and growth mindset each day e.g. I am calm, I am amazing, I am brave, I am clever, I am friendly, I can achieve great things, I do my best etc. 

• read your child guided visualisations (or pop on a CD/play an app) at bedtime that promote relaxation to help them get to sleep

• be organised to ensure a calm, smooth morning routine and trip to school

• play relaxing or happy music of a morning around the house and in the car

• all of this advice will help the adults have a positive start to the school year too!

  
  Practising mindfulness everyday will keep calm minds and happy hearts for our kids. Wishing you and your children an enjoyable and successful school year!