Navigating the start of school

By Sophie Chang, School Psychologist

The start of a school term can be an exciting time filled with anticipation and curiosity for many young people as they embark on a new journey of starting secondary school or moving up a higher year level.

However, this can also be a very anxious and stressful time for some young people and parents. Here are some practical tips from our counselling team and School TV in supporting your young person through school transitions:

• Assist your young person with returning to a regular sleep routine as their body clock may need some adjusting after the school holiday. Sleeping well helps us to feel more energised, focused and motivated.
• Eat well - encourage your young person to have a good, balanced diet filled with fruits, veggies and water. This can help with sleep, energy levels and their general health and wellbeing.
• Encourage “play” before homework and chores to break up school time and home time. These activities can include walking, bike riding, taking the dog out for a walk or kicking a footy.
• Encourage your young person to attend all orientation programs. Familiarisation is often the key to reducing stress.
• Have an open conversation about your expectations and their responsibilities as they progress through the school year. This can be about setting boundaries around device usage.
• Normalise and validate the worries and anxiety that your young person might have.
• Discuss what your young person's worries are and what they are most looking forward to in the new school year.
• Assist them with connecting with their peers. Let your young person know that new friends are welcome in your home and encourage them to invite them over or offer to transport them to their friends’ houses.

If you would like some further information or support around school transitioning, you can find it here or on the Secondary School Wellbeing Nexus page.