Preparing for your child's first school trip in Luxembourg

Perhaps it's your child's first time away, or maybe you're a seasoned pro at this school trip business. Either way, waving off your little ones can bring a tear to your eye as they adventure off into the unknown... or more likely, the Mullerthal. Let's run through a few simple tips and tricks to eliminate those last-minute panics and ensure the travel prep is a breeze!

Safety

For most of us parents, releasing our children into the care of another adult for a prolonged period can be a worry. How can you guarantee your child's safety when they are away from you? Rest assured, schools have robust health and safety policies in place to ensure your child stays safe and happy.

In Luxembourg, people who work with children are screened by the Justice Department. Many school trips take place in dedicated, certified centres whose accommodation and facilities cater for large groups or children. Their staff and animateurs are usually obliged to hold a special certificate in working with children (such as the BAFA certificate in France).

Staff usually lay out the trip rules in the days and weeks before departure, but it's always sensible to have your own conversations at home. Talk through scenarios together – ask your child, what will you do if you have an accident? Who will you ask for help? This should help to put both your minds at ease.

Insurance and medical

Any Luxembourgish resident, or child of an employee working in Luxembourg, should be covered by CNS medical insurance. You might also be a member of an additional health insurance programme. Often, schools do not require you to take out any additional insurance for a school trip as they have their own schemes. But check this with the trip leader.

You must make sure you have signed all the appropriate paperwork regarding medical care and permissions. Any children with ongoing health issues or regular medication requirements (including a PAI or individualised support plan) should ensure the school has the relevant up-to-date prescriptions, paperwork and expertise to provide appropriate care and administer the necessary medication. In some cases, it is a good idea to organise a meeting with the trip organiser to ensure that the specific needs of your child will be met.

If you are packing any medication for your child, label it clearly with your child's name, age and weight, dosage instructions and any other important information such as your phone number in case of emergency.

Budgeting and financial support

Some schools offer trips as part of the curriculum. In these instances, the trip is obligatory, and all children must attend as part of their academic learning. In which case, parents and carers need to find the funds.

Rest assured; help is always available. Schools usually offer different methods of payment, such as monthly instalments. Some private schools might create an individual payment plan on request. For public schools, the SePAS department (Psycho-Social and School Support Service) can usually offer support to families in need of assistance with school trip fees, even if they do not meet the traditional low-income threshold.

Worries and homesickness

If it is your child's first time away from home, the chances are they will be a little bit worried about it. Talk through their concerns together. These might range from being homesick, to fretting about how they will remember everything without you there to help them.

Reassure your child it is perfectly normal to feel worried and the likelihood is that their classmates will feel the same. Acknowledge your own feelings too. They might find comfort in knowing you are also feeling a little anxious or sad about them going away (as long as you don't overdo it – you don't want to freak them out).

Look at photos of where they are going to be staying so they can familiarise themselves with the surroundings before they arrive. Talking through planned activities or sleeping arrangements can bring feelings of excitement and anticipation.

Encourage your child to take a few things from home which will provide them comfort, such as a stuffed toy, book, magazine, or a game they could play with their friends.

It's a good idea to reframe 'what if' questions to 'I'm going to have such fun' or 'everyone will be there to help me'. Your child could repeat this type of phrase as a mantra of sorts.

Finally, schedule something fun for when they get home, such as a cinema trip or a visit to their favourite café, so they have some family time to look forward to whilst they are away.

Packing tips

Many schools provide children with a list of what to pack. Here are a few tips to take you up the next level and become a packing pro!

• Encourage your child to help with the packing

• Make sure they know where to find everything

• Choose easy-to-open toiletries (which will not leak!)

• Pack clothes for each day in a separate plastic bag, each labelled with the day of the week they should be worn

• Write out a to-do list and stick it in inside the suitcase to help remind your child of their daily routines

• Pack a spare towel

• Advise against taking their favourite stuffed toy, just in case it gets lost! The second favourite will hopefully do the trick

• Pop in a little game they can play with their friends

• Consider writing them a letter or printing out a family photo they can have a look at if they're feeling down

• If they have a wobbly tooth and might be expecting a special visit from a certain fairy or mouse - warn the teacher!