How to prepare your children for their return to school

Catherine Verdier, founder of PsyFamille and a psychologist-therapist specialising in children and teenagers, has shared her expertise on navigating sensitive topics like school violence in Luxembourg. Now, she offers valuable advice on preparing for the new school year, a very important time for children... and their parents!

Should you wait until the end of the summer holidays to think about the start of the new school year?

Catherine Verdier : "I would say that to have a successful start to the new school year, it's crucial to have a successful holiday. In other words, holidays should be a time for children to unwind, not a period filled with studying math, languages, or other subjects. Children need a break from school; a sort of school detox. It's very important for children, because school years are extremely busy, in every sense of the word."

"Of course, there are exceptions, and some children may need extra tutoring or lessons during the holidays. But that shouldn’t be the sole focus. Children need to not think about studying and homework for a couple of weeks at least – it’s fundamental. Besides, no homework doesn't mean no learning. Parents can encourage their children to read books, visit museums, or play educational games with them."

And how do you prepare for the big day, the start of the new school year?

"A gentle approach should be prioritised, particularly to adapt to the new schedule and sleep routine. During the holidays, children often go to bed later and wake up later, which is normal. However, you shouldn't shift their routine overnight, it should be gradual. Regarding screen time, it's important to establish rules with your child about phone use and what they can or cannot do, both outside and inside school. You don’t want to “police” them, but you rather want to have a constructive exchange, to make them aware of their responsibilities."

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"If your child is starting at a new school, such as entering primary school for the first time, it's beneficial to visit the premises beforehand if possible. Schools often organise such visits. At the very least, the school should provide essential information, such as whether parents can accompany their child on the first day. This helps both parents and children step into the new school year with less anxiety.”

What can I do if my child is anxious?

"It's perfectly normal for children to feel scared about the new school year. They might be anxious about the workload, new people, studying, teachers, the school bus, or even the school food. If you notice signs of anxiety or nervousness, such as difficulty falling asleep or recurring nightmares – like the famous back-to-school nightmare – it's important to discuss it with your child, to let them express what's worrying them, and to listen to them without judging. This is especially important if they have had negative experiences with bullying in the past"

"Also, be mindful not to transfer your own stress onto your children. For example, adults sometimes exhibit separation anxiety when their child starts school for the first time. It's important to trust your child and remind both yourself and them of their past achievements. Reassure them that if they've succeeded before, they'll be able to handle the new school year brilliantly."

Should you consult a specialist if your child experiences important signs of back-to-school anxiety?

"Yes, absolutely. In fact, in July we were already receiving requests for a ‘self-confidence’ workshop that we're organising to help children develop assertiveness and empathy."

For more information about these workshops and about PsyFamill, click here (website only available in French).