Step in Time.....
- Joanna
- Mar 5, 2021
- 3 min read
Hi,
How are you doing?
How have things been recently?
It’s another step in time with the road map out of lockdown now being ever present. It’s with this in mind that I want to call out a few hints and tips for any of you who may have children within your family unit.....
Hints and Tips....
If you have children in your life the programme to get them back to school is fast approaching or has already arrived. Depending on their age and the geographically location the journey is happening.
Some questions we can ask our children as we prepare them for this new adventure....
How do they feel about going to school?
What are they excited about?
Is there anything that makes them feel a bit scared?
What did they love from being at home (can we carry this on or incorporate it into school)?
How can you support them?
Then the questions that people may not be asking you.....
How do you feel about them going to school?
Is there anything that makes you anxious about the situation?
What did you love from them being at home?
What support do you need to get back into this new routine?
What will you do for you as a self care action?
So let's take back the control from this situation and think about some positive actions....
Plan an after school picnic or tea for their first day or week of school.
Make time to listen without distraction for the next few week (but go with their schedule not yours – you can’t demand a download they have to be ready to talk ).
In reference to the above don’t pressure them to talking but maybe an activity together like walking the dog, colouring etc will allow them to open up.
Keep / Start a journal to express thoughts and capture emotions, wins and fears.
Bring in other people to talk and catch up it’s not all on you.
Engage with the school and keep the communication open.
Remember it’s a marathon not a sprint so don’t try to do everything in one week, pace it and keep special treats visible on the calendar ( games nights, film nights, bike rides ).
Return to the habit of routine- sleep patterns and getting everything ready for school the night before as those early mornings could be a shock to the system for a few weeks.
Remember the power of words and be kind and reassuring- give positive praise daily.
Give your child time to reflect and capture one grateful thing a day (keeping the internal dialogue positive before bed is a great way to end the day)
It’s important to remember a few things in the midst of all of this :
Don’t feel guilty about being happy, anxious or sad that school is re-opening.
Don’t expect one good or bad day to mean that everything is ok and back to normal or never going to be the same again.
Remember people will be tired with the change of routine ( grumpy / hyper / emotional ).
Remember to engage everyone in preparing for school - breakfast, books, dinner, mask, hand sanitizer ( depending on age ) - choose your battles and don’t aim for perfect.
Don’t forget self care still needs to be done for everyone regardless what’s going on.
There is a great saying that we need to remember in all of this and it is....
It takes a TRIBE to raise a CHILD !
Reach out and allow others to be part of the journey.
If you feel you would like anymore support, someone to talk to or simply an ear to download your emotions to (could be a one off session or a more structured programme) then reach out to me:
I have included some sites you may find useful around this topic....
For those of you reading this who are teachers reach out as I am offering special rates to support you. You are doing an amazing job and the stress and anxiety that many of you may be facing into is very real. The ability to own and control this with a bespoke programme can make a big difference so let me help you be your best self!
Till next time – Keep Safe and Be Kind
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