Dr Michelle O'Driscoll: Tips for a smooth transition back to school

We’re well into August, and the final countdown is on for ‘back to school’ as the weeks slip through our fingers.

The weather has been a mixed bag, and we’ve been attempting to make the most of it while we can, against the backdrop of a busy juggle.

While many will be glad to get the kids back to a proper routine, it can be an anxious time for parents and students alike - starting school, changing school, or beginning a new chapter such as Junior or Leaving Cert, it’s all just around the corner.

Below are some things to think about implementing to smooth the transition and minimise any stress associated with ‘back to school’ looming in the coming weeks.

Prep and plan

Getting everything you need ready well in advance is the most obvious way to reduce the September stress.

Uniforms, schoolbags, lunchboxes, stationery - work down through the list provided by the schools and get everything labelled. Then when it’s done, it’s done! Park it and forget about it. Otherwise, it steals valuable headspace.

Help the little ones with their headspace in relation to school too, and have lots of brief, informal chats about what to expect if they are starting school, or what is changing if they are moving class.

Spend time describing to them how the day will go, remind them of what they saw at the open day if they attended one, and get excited with them about all the fun things they’ll do, or what they can look forward to this year.

If you’re facing into exam years, have an open chat about what is ahead and how you can support them in navigating it.

Review and learn

If this isn’t your first rodeo, think back to previous school years. What worked well to win the day. What did you let slip as the summer approached? Was prepping lunches the night before helpful? Did laying out school clothes set you up for the week? 

Learn from the struggles, chat with others in the house and decide on the game plan for this year.

Don’t go it alone

This really is so important, especially for those who tend to shoulder all the logistics and prep and communications themselves.

Can the kids be responsible for filling water bottles or washing lunch boxes? Smallies can have a job like leaving their school bags in a certain spot - every little step helps.

Can neighbours or friends carpool on certain days, lightening the load for everybody for the week?

Can your spouse take on the tasks of transferring the subsidy monies, or signing the permission forms?

Spread the load and give yourself some breathing space.

Enjoy (or survive!) the time we have left

While it feels like only a short time left until the school bell calls us back, there are still a few weeks left that can be used to make memories - or maybe just survive!

The summer is a time of strain and juggle for parents who attempt to plug the gaps of childcare, and keep the kids entertained and happy.

There are certainly golden moments in there to be enjoyed with them, without under-estimating the challenge it’s been to keep the show on the road.

Do what you can with the time that you have, and then commend yourself for a job well done, keeping all those pates spinning.