Kind of 'Back to school', preferably without too much tension and hassle

We live in a strange time and even though schools started again last week, everything is still far from normal. This situation creates extra stress, especially for sensitive children. When they were finally used to being together at home, they now have to go back to school - irregularly.

As a parent, how do you ensure that this situation becomes the new 'normal' somewhat quickly? How do you help your child cope more easily with all the changes? Here are five tips to help you on your way.

Tip 1 - Make a weekly schedule

In this unpredictable time it is important to work with a good weekly planning. A good weekly planning provides the necessary structure and this gives sensitive children clarity and peace of mind. Write down on which days your child goes to school and what is expected of him or her on the days at home. Make the planning together, so that the weekly planning is very clear and clear for your child.

Do you find it difficult to make a suitable weekly planner yourself? Then take a look at the Weekly Planner of Gezien .

Tip 2 - Bring back screen time

As a parent, I am also guilty of this. Especially on the days that I was working at home, I put the children behind the TV more quickly. As a result, screen use has increased considerably in recent weeks. Time to do something about that again:

• Make weekly agreements with your child about screen use.
• Turn off all screens at least two hours before going to bed.
• Use a timer to mark the time and ensure clarity.
• When the timer stops, the display turns off.

Tip 3 - Gradually finish the day

To be able to sleep well (for everyone) it is important that you gradually reduce the day. After a stressful day, falling asleep and even sleeping through the night can be a challenge. A fixed evening ritual can help with this, this gives your child peace and support. It is important to keep the evening ritual simple and predictable. Inform your child in time that it is almost bedtime and then work through a fixed sequence. In addition, it can be important to write down the day to make sure your head is clear before going to sleep.

A great way to do this is to keep a journal. By answering questions, you close the day and look ahead to tomorrow. Sleep Chat! is a practical and fun tool to do that.

Tip 4 - Give your child space to express his emotions

A lot has also changed at school and this may bring with it the necessary emotions. The arrival at school is different because parents are not allowed on the square and are not allowed to enter the school. Even within school things are different than before. It is important as a parent to start a conversation about this. Name the emotions you see in your child and ask about them. Listen to your child and acknowledge the feelings. Just talking to your child about his feelings can help relieve some of the tension.

It is very important for children to learn to manage their emotions. The Emotion Magnetic Card helps them identify emotions and better understand moods.

Tip 5 - Movement

It may sound crazy, but even now it is very important that children exercise enough. Movement has many benefits. It reduces stress, it contributes to better concentration and promotes a good night's sleep. Children make endorphins through exercise, which is also known as the happiness hormone. It ensures that we feel better, can relax better and it reduces fears. We can really use that during this period. For children from 4 to 18 years old, they should exercise moderately intensively for at least 1 hour a day (think of cycling or trampolining) and do muscle and bone strengthening activities 3 times a week (think of playing football or tennis).
Source: Allesoversport.nl

Did you miss something in the list or do you have a tip yourself? Be sure to let us know in a comment. Good luck again in the future. Stay safe!