Friday 7th August Post with Image Back to School Tip #5

We are delighted to share Tip number 5 which suggests some ideas for the children starting back to school next week. We would love to hear what things you are doing to make the transition a little smoother.

Back to School Tip #5: Challenge Your Mindset – Remember we can cope- we just did

Your Child:It can be unsettling not knowing what may happen. Help your child focus on all the things they do know, such as how to get to school, what they will wear, seeing a friend. Introduce new information gradually as it becomes available.

Everyone is a unique individual, discuss with your child the little things that they can do or have already achieved. Remind them of these skills and successes when embarking on a new challenge.

                                                                                                                                                                                       You: It is normal that many children and parents will be feeling anxious, try to focus on how you will manage rather than what might go wrong. Show confidence, even if you are feeling a bit wobbly, it helps that your child sees that you have a plan to carry out together.

For more information about going Back to School and supporting your own and your child’s wellbeing visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/backtoschool

#buildingresilience #BackToSchoolEdin

Thursday 6th August Post with Image Back to School Tip #4

Building resilience can help us to develop the skills we need to cope with challenging times. Each day we are sharing tips for families which offer suggestions which may help with the return to school.

Back to School Tip #4: Look on the Bright Side – Find positive moments, however small, each day

Our brains are wired to notice threats, sometimes that stops us seeing the good stuff. That can mean we have to really try to be positive.

Your child:Help your child identify the positive things about lockdown easing or returning to school. Who might they be looking forward to seeing or what might they be looking forward to doing?

                                                                                                                                                                                You: Consider the positives for you of lockdown easing and children returning to school.

                                                                                                                                                                                Together: It can be helpful to make time each day to think of one or two positive things. It may be nice to write these down in diary or post them in a jar, share them with your child and listen to their ideas. You could have a phrase like “Today I loved…. playing football with you”

For more information about going Back to School and supporting your own and your child’s wellbeing visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/backtoschool

#buildingresilience #BackToSchoolEdin

Wednesday 5th August Post with Image Back to School Tip #3

For some the return to school may be a busy and exciting time, for others it may cause some anxiety and worry. We have developed these Back to School Tips to support families with some ideas to help support wellbeing.  

Back to School Tip #3: Talk Things Over- It’s good to talk…and listen

Your child: Notice when is a good time and make space for your child to talk about things. This may be walking the dog, in the car or at bedtime. Create opportunities for your child to build a relationship with another family member, trusted adult or professional. 

Be available to actively listen to what your child is thinking or how they are feeling. Name what you think they are feeling, let them know you understand and try not to jump in too soon with a solution. For example. “It sounds like you’re worried about having no one to play with, I can see why that’s upsetting you.”

After the school day, your child may need time to wind down before telling you about their day. You could try sharing something about your day first.

                                                                                                                                                                                   You: Think about who you can talk to about any concerns or worries you have, such as a friend, family member or maybe a professional.

For more information about going Back to School and supporting your own and your child’s wellbeing visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/backtoschool

#buildingresilience #BackToSchoolEdin

Tuesday 4th August Post with Image Back to School Tip #2

We are sure many families will be starting to make plans to help with the return to school. We hope you find these Back to School Tips useful. 

Back to School Tip #2: Be Kind to Others- Everyone needs Kindness

Your Child: Encourage your child to think of ways they can be kind to others and pay attention and praise your child when you notice them doing this. “It was kind of you to… share with your friend/ include them in your group at break”

Children learn by watching others- show or tell your child ways you have been kind to others. For example, “I had a chat with our neighbour, she looked a bit sad.”

                                                                                                                                                                              You:Notice other parents on their own in and around the school, you never know who may welcome a friendly greeting or chat.

Above all, be kind to yourself. We’ve all been through exceptional circumstances.

For more information about going Back to School and supporting your own and your child’s wellbeing visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/backtoschool

#buildingresilience #BackToSchoolEdin