Get the kids ready for school and enjoy what’s left of the holidays with some expert advice and tips!

While we’re sure the kids have had a wonderful festive season, soaking up the sun and making the most of their vacation, but January is here and that means it’s back to school for the littlest members of the family.

With just a week to go, the kids might be feeling just a little anxious. The change in a child’s usual environment; in this case a new school – pre-primary, primary and high school, and even moving onto the next grade, mean kids find it daunting and stressful to adapt.

• Also read: Struggling with an anxious child? — Here's help

And according to creative parenting expert, Nikki Bush, “When kids are fretful and uneasy, mom and dad are too.”

But you’re in luck! If the entire family’s feeling a little nervous and on edge about starting anew, Bush has a few tips and tricks to bring calm to the remainder of your holiday. And best of all, it involves quality time and family bonding.

• Also read: The ultimate back-to-school checklist

Why family time is “extremely important” 

Bush explains that quality time with mom and dad also eliminate stress and is ”extremely important” to help kids relax.
  
“Parent-child interaction has a calming effect on kids and helps to minimise stress. It means bonding as a family, which also acts as a channel of support for children, they feel safe and secure and are reminded that mom and dad are there for them every step of the way.”

She recommends a few entertaining games fit for the whole family, such as cricket, soccer and even hopscotch.

So the summer holiday doesn’t have to end just yet!

Here are a few other things to consider and games to play:

Say play!

Since play is a universal language, Bush says “play your sillies away”, it has a calming effect on kids and helps to minimise stress. A few of the games she recommends includes: 

• Board games
• Bikes and scooters
• Lego

• Also read: The benefits of sensopathic play

“Mom and dad, haul out all sorts of games and toys and let them play to their heart’s content. It does wonders,” she says.

• Also read: These African board games should be introduced into the classroom, here's why

Movement matters 

Bush says activities that involve movement are highly beneficial, it raises endorphins and puts kids in a better mood. She suggests the following fun, interactive movement games: 

• Rough and tumble
• Hide and seek

• Also read: We asked children why they don’t get enough exercise – here’s what they said

And as you approach the first day of school, try and make things a little easier on the kids so that they can ease into a routine and feel comfortable again.

The drop-off deal

If children are more anxious with one parent than with the other, simply swap drop-off roles and “don’t feel guilty about it”. Bush advises parents to be flexible and adaptable.

In time, and before you know, the kids, and you, will start feeling a little less tense. And if it doesn’t happen immediately, in time, we’re sure it will.

How are you prepping the kids for their first day back at school? Tell us by commenting below.

Read more:

• The most important ways parents can prepare children for school
• WATCH: Get creative with these back-to-school book covers
• Is your child anxious about the first day of school?

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