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It’s almost back to school time, which means plenty of planning before the school bell rings for the first time in 2025.
Here’s some handy homework prepared by Gold Coast Primary Health Network to help you and your young ones – those starting school for the first time and those returning – get properly prepared for a big year ahead.
We all see the TV and newspaper stories about children heading off to their first day of school (and more than a few mums tearing up at the drop-off zone) but it’s important to appreciate that back to school anxiety can hit any school age child.
And it’s also important to know that there are things parents and carers of school age children can do to help.
Bond University clinical psychologist Cher McGillivray says parents can help their young ones to prepare and gain a sense of familiarity by establishing a routine, which might even involve rehearsing the school run with their favourite music playing in the car.
“Ask your child to think of everything to prepare for the first day to help them feel in control,” Cher said.
“Take them shopping for school supplies and have them help prepare their clothes and uniforms for the first day.
“Involve them in solutions and ask your child whether they have ideas of their own to help them cope on those first few days,” she said.
Other tips include assuring your child that, like any new activity, starting school can be hard but soon becomes easy and fun.
It’s also a good idea to make sure sleep, eating and activity routines are set well ahead of school starting.
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