#041 Back to School - 9 ways to pack and unpack your child’s emotional backpack

Welcome back to season 2 of the podcast!

For many of us here in the northern hemisphere, summer has come to an end and we are getting back to our routines: whether that is starting school or childcare for the first time or returning after the summer break. For those who home educate, it might be adjusting to having less friends around and finding a new routine. 

People are sharing their back to school photos on social media. Everyone is looking shiny and excited. However, if you and your child are struggling with this transition you aren't alone. We don't talk about the challenges of going back to school enough. 

We often prepare very well for school on a physical or practical level - we buy uniforms, new shoes, lunch box, stationary, whatever your child needs.

But what about preparing our children on an emotional level?

In this week's episode I discuss my nine tips to help you pack and unpack your child’s emotional backpack. These are the strategies I found most effective when supporting my daughter with returning to school. She had huge resistance to school, we battled with that for 4 years and ultimately we decided to home educate. I did everything I could to help my daughter settle in to school, but I could no longer ignore the negative effect it was having on her. I know that isn’t an option for everyone and many kids do well at school with a bit of extra emotional support. 

Listen to the full episode to hear how to implement these ideas: 

Unpack your own emotional baggage first Take 5 minutes to fill up your child’s emotional backpack with love and connection before the school day starts. Slow down the morning and find small ways to connect Find the silliness - the language of children is play and the quickest way to connect is through laughter.  Make room for feelings - validate instead of dismiss Remember that your child is doing their best - and so are you.  The long goodbye - don't rush the drop-off and make space for feelings of upset Reconnect after school  Expect upset after school  - they need to empty out their backpack and often they need your help to find their balance again. 

If you want to hear more about how connection-based parenting can work for you so you can find respectful strategies that really work to get your child listening - without ending up shouting, without resorting to threats and bribes, then I would like to invite you to my next Masterclass. It is on Tuesday 6th September at 8pm UK time, that is 12pm Pacific time and 3pm Eastern time.

Simply click on this link to save your seat.