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Term two is well underway and we have some practical tips for you and your child or teenager for coping with those big days at school.
1. DEFINITION OF BIG
What a big day looks like is unique to your child. For some, it can be getting to a camp, assembly, sports day or book week. For others, it can be attending school every day on a certain week, or their first day after the summer holidays. That it is a big day for them is what only matters.
2. PREPARE
Always prepare your child for the day eg talk to them about who may be there, what they will be doing, and what they might be eating, or wearing. (Extra tip: a social skills story may be useful for this).
3. VARIETY OF OPTIONS TO PARTICIPATE
There are always different ways for your kid to participate in the activity, and all of them are okay. They might like to join their peers or choose just to watch. If they are older, an alternative idea is to give them a job eg. for sports day they could help a teacher tally the results.
4. LOOK FOR SUPPORT / RELY ON OTHERS
A few good tips to follow if/when needed. You could talk to the child’s teacher about how to reduce anxiety leading up to the day. You could also buddy them up with a peer or older child.
5. FOLLOW THEIR LEAD
As a parent, it is important to remember that we need to follow the lead of the child. Respecting their preferences, especially as a child gets to become a teenager.
6. AFTERMATH
After the event, let them tell you when they are ready to share their recent experience. Try not to bombard your child with questions about the day. They might need the time to process the day and reflect, allowing them to organise their thoughts. Once they are ready, they will share with you.
7. COMPARISONS
Always remember every child is unique and they will shine in their own way. Try to not compare your child with their peers.
