03/09/2025
If you have a little one who is nervous about going back to school after the holidays. Here are a few little pocket-sized ideas that might help!
Pocket Promises:
Write out little promises of treats for your child (for example, an extra bedtime story, a family movie or puzzle night, homemade popcorn, trip to the park or playground, they can pick their favourite dinner) and put them in a jar. Every morning your child gets to pick out a pocket promise and cash it in when they get home from school.
Pebble in my Pocket:
Find two very similar pebbles, gem-stones or crystals. You keep one in your pocket and the child keeps the other in their pocket. Tell them that any time they feel a little nervous or are missing you they give their pebble a little squeeze. It is a very concrete reminder of their connection to you. [Some alternatives to a pebble that they might like to keep in their pocket are a little photo of mum/dad/family, or a hankie with your perfume/aftershave on it]
Worries in My Pocket:
Talk to your child about any worries they have about starting school. Write the worries down on pieces of paper. Then you put the pieces of paper in your pocket. Tell your child you are going to carry their worries for the day while they are in school, so they don’t have to carry them alone. This can really help to ease any fears they may have.
