5 Cost-effective Ways to Keep Your Family Warm this Winter

Posted on February 13, 2023March 13, 2023 by schoolhouse

As energy costs rise sharply across the UK, over 3 million households cannot afford heating in their homes. It is not just energy costs either; food and fuel costs are at an all-time high too, which puts a lot of strain on people, especially families with young children.

If, like many parents, you are worried about your expenses this Winter, you can use some simple, quick hacks to keep your family warm and avoid using the heating for as long as possible. Here are some cheap ways to keep warm this season.

1. Layer up!

Layering up is an effective and cheap way to keep warm. Wearing more layers ensures that your body heat stays trapped for longer. So, layer up your children in 3 – 4 warm, breathable layers of clothing to protect them from the cold while also saving money on heating. If you are stepping out of the house, consider wearing a pair of gloves, a scarf, and a hat as well.

Read: Winter Warmers to Keep Your Children Toasty and Warm on Cold Days

2. Eat warm, hearty meals

The easiest way to warm yourself up during cold days is to eat well. Hence, it’s important to have hot meals during Winter to stay warm and comfortable. Soups, stews, and baked vegetables are quick, simple, and warm food options for you to make at home on a budget.

3. Treat yourself to a hot drink

We all like to sip on something hot, like coffee or tea, during the Winter because it keeps us warm. It´s true – studies show that a hot drink can increase the body’s temperature by about 2.5 degrees. To keep your children warm, you can give them a hot drink as well, like hot chocolate, vanilla milk, or even a hot lemon water drink. It warms up the fingers as well as their insides!

4. Add rugs and carpets to your house

Your floors, such as tiles and laminates, might make your home colder than usual. You can fix this by simply placing a few rugs and carpets around your house to add an extra insulation layer. Also, ensure everyone always wears socks and slippers. It´s the easiest way to keep your toes warm!

5. Be active

Being more concerned than usual about your children’s health during winter is natural. However, don’t make the mistake of keeping them huddled up indoors throughout the day. Encourage them to exercise, play and spend some time outdoors as well. Exercise is a great way to remain warm. When we move about, the body converts the stored energy into heat energy and ensures we remain warm for a long time. Plus, it is a fun, cheap way to keep warm.

Read: Surprising Reasons Why Outdoor Play is Healthy in Winter

If you are really struggling financially this winter, here are a few other things you can do

Millions of families are struggling financially, and it is a matter of concern. The government is aiding millions of households across the UK to make heating more accessible. Be sure to check out the various government schemes and see if you are eligible for any of them:

Find energy grants for your home, and
Get help from your energy supplier.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

A Parent’s Guide to Switching Off After Work

Posted on January 25, 2023November 15, 2022 by schoolhouse

Every working parent understands the difficulty of switching off each evening. After all, parenting is a full-time job in and of itself. But how do you switch from professional to parent and still find space in your evening to unwind? Simple! By following our step-by-step guide for how to switch off after work as a parent.

Here is our 5 step process to help you unwind from work and enjoy your evenings:

1. Write tomorrow’s to-do list

We would all love to stop thinking about work the second we log off and leave the building. But, the truth is, learning how to switch off after work as a parent requires a lot more preparation than that. After all, we don’t have the luxury of rearranging our inboxes or lounging about every evening.

So, what’s the solution?

Before you log off, we suggest writing out your to-do list for the next working day. That way, you won’t waste your evening worrying about what you need to do tomorrow.

2. Decompress during your commute

Whether you work from home or commute to the office, you still have to collect your child from school or nursery. So our advice is to make the most of the journey and indulge in something you enjoy!

Listen to your favourite artist, enjoy an audiobook or call a friend to catch up (or have a rant). No matter how long the journey, this time can help you decompress and mentally shift gear from work life to home life.

3. Close tabs and switch off devices

One of our best pieces of advice for how to switch off after work as a parent is to literally switch off. Turn off your work phone, shut your laptop and mute your emails!

It may sound dramatic, but if you want to enjoy your evenings, you must create clearly defined boundaries between your time at work and your time at home. After all, you can’t expect your employer to respect your free time if you don’t either.

4. Get changed

Our clothes have a huge impact on our mood and mindset. (After all, it doesn’t take a fashion icon to understand that wearing a suit feels very different to wearing a swimming costume.)

So, try to change out of your work clothes as soon as you’re home. Not only will you feel far more comfortable, but it will also help your brain transition out of work mode.

5. Spend some quality time with your children

It’s all too easy for us to leave work and instantly redirect our attention toward household chores. But with so few hours in the day, we must try to prioritise quality time with our children over our to-do lists.

Whether you prepare a meal together or watch their favourite TV show, nothing will take your mind off work quite like quality time with your child. So, if you want to learn how to switch off after work as a parent, we strongly suggest you leave your household chores until after your child has gone to bed.

Don’t waste your evenings worrying about work!

So there you have it, our step-by-step guide for how to switch off after work as a parent.

Whilst we understand that unwinding after work can be a challenge. (Especially when you have children to take care of.) We want to encourage you to make the most of your time away from the office. So take this as a sign to enjoy your evenings and stop letting household chores get in the way of quality time with your children.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Need more help or advice? Find more from us here:

Common Childhood Illnesses: A Parent’s Guide

Posted on January 10, 2023November 15, 2022 by schoolhouse

Before nursery, most children only interact with close friends and family. So when they start spending their days with several other children, it can be a bit of a shock to the system. As a result, they often suffer from a steady (and at times unrelenting) succession of childhood illnesses. So we wanted to talk through some of the viruses your child could contract during their time at nursery.

From symptoms to treatments, we will cover each illness in detail – so you’re well prepared for the upcoming winter.

Coughs and colds

Without a doubt, the most common childhood illnesses are coughs and colds. Thankfully, they usually run their course within a week or two without any medical intervention.

Common symptoms include:

Sneezing and coughing
Runny or blocked nose
Sore throat
Headaches
Mild fever

Unfortunately, there’s little you can do to alleviate your child’s symptoms apart from offering them sugar-free paracetamol or ibuprofen and ensuring they’re well rested and hydrated.

However, if your child develops additional symptoms like a persistent fever (38°C or above), a rash, or they experience difficulty breathing, you should contact your GP immediately.

Earache and tonsillitis

Much like the common cold, mild ear infections usually get better on their own. However, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes earache can be a symptom of tonsillitis. So let’s explore the difference.

Symptoms of a mild ear infection include:

Irritability and discomfort
Red ears
Raised temperature
Possible fluid or discharge from the ear

However, children will tonsillitis will often experience earache plus other symptoms, including:

Coughing
Sore throat
High temperature
Swollen glands
Difficulty swallowing

Again, these infections usually run their course within a few days, but you can always use ibuprofen or paracetamol to help with pain relief. However, if your child becomes increasingly uncomfortable or shows no sign of improvement within four days, we strongly suggest contacting your GP.

Sickness and Diarrhoea

Sickness and diarrhoea are arguably one of the most gruelling childhood illnesses for both parents and children. And unfortunately, they often get passed around schools and nurseries. So it’s best to prepare for every eventuality.

If your child does contract a stomach bug, your priority is to keep them hydrated. So encourage them to drink whenever possible – you can also purchase rehydration sachets from the pharmacist. Vomiting should stop within a day or two. However, diarrhoea can last up to a week, so make sure to sanitise regularly to prevent the infection from spreading throughout your family.

If your child has been severely unwell for over 24 hours or you notice signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dark yellow urine and fatigue), call 111 or contact your GP.

Fevers

High temperatures are relatively common in young children. However, the trick is identifying whether the fever is the result of a mild viral infection or the symptom of a more severe illness.

Symptoms of a mild fever will include:

Feeling warm or hot to touch
Flushed skin
Sweating and shivering
A temperature between 37.5°C and 38°C

If your child shows signs of a fever, focus on keeping them hydrated. So encourage them to drink regularly, dress them in light clothes and offer them a wet flannel to cool them down.

However, if your child develops a rash, stops eating, shows signs of dehydration or maintains a fever for five days, you should contact your GP. That way, they will be able to identify whether the infection is a sign of something more sinister.

Trust your instincts

Childhood illnesses are usually nothing to worry about (in fact, they’re great for strengthening your child’s immune system), but it’s better to err on the side of caution. So, if your child is ever unwell, remember to prioritise their hydration, ensure they get plenty of rest and offer them paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve any pain.

With that said, children may be resilient, but no one knows your child quite like you. So if you’re ever concerned about your child’s health, do not hesitate to call 111 or make an appointment with your GP.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas or advice? See more from us here:

How Much Do Children Really Need From Santa? The Benefits of Having Less

Posted on December 15, 2022November 15, 2022 by schoolhouse

We all want to treat our children at Christmas. But each year, it’s becoming more and more difficult to know where to draw the line. Between the pressure of keeping up with the Jones’ and teaching our children the value of money, we find ourselves reeling at the question – how much do children need from Santa? To help you debunk this Christmas conundrum, we will explore the benefits of giving fewer gifts to ensure that this festive season is full of gratitude (not greed).

What are the benefits of having fewer toys?

We’ve all heard the saying less is more. But for some reason, we’re told this rule doesn’t apply at Christmas. Thankfully, we’re about to change that. There is a long list of benefits to buying your child less at Christmas – allow us to explain. Fewer toys:

– Increase your child’s attention span

– Promote creativity and imagination

– Teach children the value of money

– Encourage children to spend more time reading/writing

– Make children more appreciative of the gifts they receive

– Encourage children to spend more time playing with others

By buying fewer gifts this year, not only will you be supporting your child’s development, but you will also be teaching them fundamental life lessons about the value of presents and the importance of gratitude.

So, if less is more, how many gifts are too many gifts?

There is no exact number to suit every family – each child has different wants and needs, much like each family has a different budget. However, studies undergone by child psychologists suggest that the perfect balance lies somewhere between 3-5 toys.

In a study that gave children either 4 or 16 toys to play with, the children who played with four toys had greater concentration and played for much longer. Why? Because too many toys can quickly become overwhelming for our children. They end up spending more time flitting between toys than actually playing – which (when you think about it) sounds a lot like what we adults do when deciding what to watch on tv. In short, more choice isn’t always better.

So, if less is more – what gifts should take the top spot on your shopping list? We suggest using the ‘rule of 4’ to ensure you cover all of your bases. Try to get a gift they:

Want
Need
To Wear
To read

This way, your child will still receive a variety of presents (both fun and practical) without the added excess! So, if you’re still wondering ‘how much do children need from Santa?’ – we think that four gifts is the best answer.

How to keep the festive cheer with fewer toys this year

Downsizing at Christmas can be an adjustment, especially if your children have gotten used to receiving a lot of presents. Luckily, we have some tips to ensure that you and your children still enjoy the festivities despite having fewer presents this year.

Start by explaining that Christmas will be slightly different this year. Your children need to understand that gifts aren’t a measure of love. Although some families might have more gifts than your own, it doesn’t mean they are loved any less.
Once you’ve managed their expectations about how many gifts they will receive, you can then get excited about all the different ways you will be able to celebrate Christmas this year. Because you’re spending less money on gifts, you can now put that money towards making memories. There are so many activities you can get involved in – from ice skating and baking to visiting Christmas markets! Whatever it is, making memories and starting Christmas traditions will be far more memorable than any old toy!
Make some donations to charity. Whether it’s money, toys or clothes – Christmas is the season of giving, so get your children involved. You can also take this opportunity to explain to your children that some families can’t afford luxuries like gifts at Christmas. This way, if you ask them ‘how much do children need from Santa?’ – they can answer by having a greater perspective and appreciation for those less fortunate than themselves.

If, at any point, you find yourself wondering ‘exactly how much do children need from Santa?’ – we invite you to revisit this article. Christmas isn’t about how much you can spend – it’s about spending time with your children, showing your appreciation for one another and teaching them to be grateful for what they already have.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

How to Prioritise Self-Care as a Parent

Posted on November 14, 2022November 15, 2022 by schoolhouse

As a parent, your needs are always secondary to your child’s. However, too many parents use this as an excuse to neglect their own needs, run themselves down and (ultimately) make themselves ill. So, to help address this unhealthy habit, we are sharing our advice on how to prioritise self-care as a parent.

1. Understand that you can’t pour from an empty cup

Before we dive into how to prioritise self-care as a parent, it’s important to discuss why self-care is so important.

The truth is, you cannot be the best version of yourself if you’re unhealthy and unhappy. So, if you want to be the best parent possible, you must start caring for yourself (as well as your child). Only then can you become your most loving, caring and attentive self.

2. Nourish your body

If you want to learn how to prioritise self-care as a parent, you need to start developing healthy habits. After all, self-care isn’t about long baths and bottles of wine – it’s about prioritising your mental and physical well-being each and every day.

So which healthy habits do we recommend?

Firstly, regular exercise. Whether you go for a walk or do a home workout, exercise can help boost your mental and physical health.

Secondly, nourish your body with vitamins and minerals. It will help promote immunity and boost your energy levels. (Plus, leading by example is a great way to get your children to eat their veggies!)

Finally, prioritise your sleep. Good quality sleep is essential to your health and well-being. So aim to get as much sleep as possible! (Even if 8 hours is unattainable.)

3. Schedule time for yourself

Scheduling time for yourself may sound selfish when you have a small child to look after. But it’s actually incredibly important for your mental and emotional well-being. So, don’t let guilt get in the way of your health!

Instead, start filling your free time with things that make you feel good! Whether that means taking five minutes to phone a friend or twenty minutes to read before bed – the aim is to do something you enjoy every day.

4. Socialise (often)

Parenting is an all-consuming endeavour. So it’s not uncommon for parents to feel lonely at times.

Instead of suffering in silence, prioritise connecting with others! Whether you plan dinners, day trips or play dates, the key is to surround yourself with positive, supportive people. After all, who better to boost your mood and promote your well-being than your loved ones?

5. Set boundaries

Our final piece of advice for any parent trying to prioritise self-care is to begin implementing boundaries. Why? Because people-pleasing is a losing game that (inevitably) leads to burnout.

So, instead of putting others first, start making decisions based on what is best for you and your child. For example, if you’re already stretched too thin at work, don’t feel obliged to take on additional responsibilities! Instead, respect your need for rest and politely decline the offer.

Self-care = self-respect

Learning how to prioritise self-care as a parent is not easy. But it is necessary. So don’t allow guilt to get in your way! Instead, respect your body, respect your mind and focus on becoming the best version of yourself. After all, the more you care for yourself, the more you can care for others.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas or advice? See more from us here:

Winter Warmers to Keep Your Children Toasty and Warm on Cold Days

Posted on November 1, 2022November 15, 2022 by schoolhouse

As winter approaches and we welcome the colder weather, we (naturally) worry a little more about our children’s health. After all, cold and flu season can hit them pretty hard! So we wanted to discuss the importance of keeping your children warm this winter. But that’s not all! We’re also sharing our top tips to help ensure they remain healthy and happy despite the harsh weather conditions.

Why is it so important to stay warm in winter?

It’s no secret that we become more susceptible to coughs, colds and respiratory viruses throughout the winter. But why is that? Well, there are a few reasons.

Firstly, the cold air inhibits our body’s ability to ward off respiratory infections. Secondly, viruses can survive longer in cold, dry conditions – so they can circulate for longer. And thirdly, we spend a lot more time in close contact with others as we huddle indoors throughout the winter. As a result, infections can spread quickly throughout schools and nurseries.

So, what can you do to keep your children warm and ward off infections this winter?

1. Wear lots of layers

Light layers are the perfect solution for keeping your children warm without making them uncomfortably hot. We recommend starting with vests and thermals underneath their ordinary clothes (especially if your child has to wear a uniform). Then you can focus on their outer layers. Thin raincoats are perfect for the wet, warmer weather. But as it gets colder, you may want to swap this out for a winter coat paired with a hat, scarf and gloves.

(P.S. don’t forget footwear! Thicker socks and waterproof shoes are essential, but wellies are also a welcome addition for winter walks and outdoor activities.)

2. Stay active

For many parents, the temptation is to keep their children inside and away from the cold. But outdoor activities are actually a fantastic way to promote your child’s health and development. So remember, whether you go for walks, visit your local park or sign them up for their favourite sport, physical activity is a great way of keeping your children warm.

3. Enjoy warming drinks and dinners

Did you know we burn more calories in the winter than in the summer? It’s true! Our bodies expend more energy to keep us warm. So make sure your family are fuelled for the winter with a selection of warming dinners and drinks.

Soups and stews are healthy, nutritious meals perfect for keeping your children warm (and sneaking in their vegetables), whilst warm milk or hot chocolates are cosy treats packed full of calcium.

4. Wash your hands

Our final tip is less about keeping your children warm and more about ensuring they don’t catch a cold.

To protect your children from catching or spreading infections, we strongly suggest you practise washing your hands together. If you can create a habit around handwashing before and after meals, after using the bathroom and after blowing their nose, your child has a far better chance of avoiding colds and viruses. So do your best to practise sanitisation this winter.

Stay warm this winter

We all want to enjoy a happy and healthy winter. So, try out these tips for keeping your children warm during the cold months. And remember, staying warm doesn’t mean staying indoors. Get outside, enjoy the weather and blow the cobwebs away! Just make sure you’re wearing cosy clothing!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas or advice? See more from us here:

10 Packed Lunch Ideas For Parents

Posted on September 5, 2022August 8, 2022 by schoolhouse

With September right around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about school lunches again. So we wanted to offer you some inspiration. (Because, let’s face it, making exciting packed lunches every day is not as easy as it sounds.) So, with that in mind, here are 10 packed lunch ideas your children will love:

What makes a healthy packed lunch?

Before we start sharing our packed lunch ideas, it’s important to explain what goes into a healthy packed lunch.

According to the NHS, a balanced diet should include:

Dairy products (or non-dairy alternatives) like milk and cheeses.
Protein sources like meat, fish, pulses and beans.
Starchy foods like potatoes, bread or pasta.
Fruits and vegetables.

So, for each packed lunch you create, try and include (at least) one product from each food group, as this will ensure your child is always eating a well-balanced meal.

10 ideas for healthy packed lunches

Our list includes a mixture of main meals, snacks and special treats. So feel free to try a few each lunchtime! Our hope is that you’ll find some suggestions that spark your child’s interest and encourage them to eat their lunches.

1. Star-shaped sandwiches

Sandwiches are a staple for a reason – they’re simple and delicious. But after a while, they can get a bit boring. So keep things interesting by cutting them into exciting shapes and experimenting with new fillings!

2. Fruit skewers

We’re all looking for ways to make fruit seem more exciting. So try popping some chopped fruit and berries onto a skewer. Sometimes all you need to do to spark your child’s interest is to make their packed lunches more interactive.

3. Pick ‘n’ mix

Don’t worry – our list of packed lunch ideas doesn’t include a bag full of sweets and sugar. Think of this as antipasti for kids. Fill their lunch box with their favourite fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses and let them have at it!

4. Hummus

Hummus is a parent’s best friend. Naturally high in protein and made from chickpeas, this delicious dip is the perfect way to get your children to eat their legumes. Just pair it with sliced peppers, carrots or even crackers for a tasty lunchtime snack.

5. Popcorn

Looking for a healthy alternative to crisps? Popcorn is an amazing option! Sweet or salty, this high-fibre snack adds texture to any lunch box and is always a welcome treat.

6. Pasta pots

Pasta is one of our favourite packed lunch ideas because you can prepare it well in advance! Pair it with pesto, tomatoes and a source of protein for a well-balanced energy-boosting lunchtime meal.

7. Side salads

Sometimes our children need a bit of incentive to eat their vegetables. So rather than presenting them with plain veggies, try creating a salad with some protein and a dressing. It sounds so simple, but a drizzle of vinaigrette or a dollop of salsa can make a world of difference!

8. Yummy yoghurts

We couldn’t create a list of packed lunch ideas without including yoghurts. Why? Because they’re both delicious and high in calcium! Plus, there are so many flavours out there that you’re bound to find one the whole family enjoys!

9. Banana pancakes

Who says you can’t enjoy breakfast all day long? Simply mix one mashed banana with one egg and two tablespoons of flour before frying like a pancake. Allow to cool before packing with fresh fruit and yoghurt to dip, and you have a delicious lunchtime treat.

10. Chocolate-covered fruit

We all enjoy a treat now and then. But instead of packing a chocolate bar in your child’s lunchbox, why not dip their fruit in chocolate instead? Bananas, apples, strawberries and oranges all make for tasty chocolate-covered treats. (Plus, you can rest assured your child’s still getting plenty of vitamins and minerals.)

Pack some excitement inside their lunchbox

So there you have it – our 10 packed lunch ideas for parents. Whether you try one or all ten of our suggestions, we hope you find some exciting additions to include in your child’s lunch box!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

8 Signs Your Child is Suffering From Back-to-School Anxiety

Posted on September 1, 2022August 8, 2022 by schoolhouse

September can be a stressful time for our children. And understandably so! Returning to school after six weeks can be a daunting prospect. So it’s not uncommon for some children to suffer from back-to-school anxiety.

To help you identify whether your child is stressed about returning to school, we’ve outlined 8 symptoms of back-to-school anxiety. But don’t worry – our advice doesn’t end there. We’ve also included a few suggestions to help soothe your child if they are experiencing any anxiety.

1. Difficulty sleeping

Irregular sleeping patterns often signify your child is suffering from back-to-school anxiety. So keep an eye out for any sudden changes. For example, if your child has trouble falling asleep or is waking throughout the night, they may be anxious or overwhelmed.

2. Abnormal appetite

It’s no secret that stress can affect our appetite. So make sure you’re paying attention to your child’s eating patterns. If they are overeating or undereating, it could be a sign they’re feeling stressed about school starting.

3. Aches and pains

If your child continually complains of aches and pains, but you can’t detect any signs of a physical illness, it may be because they’re suffering from anxiety.

4. Lack of confidence

Often when our children suffer from back-to-school anxiety, they lose a lot of their confidence. So be aware if they become increasingly insecure, apologetic, or doubtful of their abilities.

5. Trouble focusing

If your child is struggling to focus for more than a few minutes (whether that’s when they’re playing, reading or watching television), it may be because they’re preoccupied with worrying about school.

6. Easily irritated

When dealing with complex emotions like stress and anxiety, it’s not uncommon for our children to lash out. Why? Because they don’t know how else to deal with these emotions. So, if your child misbehaves more than usual, consider the fact they could be (subconsciously) crying for help.

7. Withdrawn and disengaged

It’s always concerning when our bright, bubbly children disengage with their friends and favourite activities. Granted, we all have good days and bad days. But if their withdrawn behaviour becomes more frequent, it may be because they’re suffering from back-to-school anxiety.

8. Constantly seeking reassurance

When we feel vulnerable, we often seek reassurance from our close friends and family. So if your child is acting unusually clingy or is constantly asking questions about school, it may be that they’re nervously seeking reassurance.

Easing your child’s anxieties

If you think your child is worried about returning to school, try not to panic. It’s natural for us to feel anxious at times – especially when we’re going through transitional periods. With that said, there are some steps we can take to try and soothe their back-to-school anxiety.

Address any negative self-talk – it’s okay for your child to feel nervous about school. However, you don’t want their anxiety to get out of hand and impact their self-image. So always address negative self-talk by reminding them they are loved, valued and capable.

Be attentive – pay close attention to your child’s behaviour and monitor their eating and sleeping habits. The quicker you can identify their back-to-school anxiety, the sooner you can help them through it.

Discuss how you can help – every child has different needs. So make sure to talk to your child about what support they need. They may want to visit their classroom, talk about their feelings, or simply spend quality time with you before school starts.

Reassure them – instead of avoiding talking about school, try to reassure your child by discussing the positive aspects. Talk about their favourite lessons and play times with friends. It may not be a fix-all solution, but it can certainly soothe their anxieties.

(For more advice, read: Starting School: 10 Tips to Help Smooth their Transition)

This too, shall pass

It’s heartbreaking to see our children suffering. But (with any luck), their anxiety should subside once they’re back at school. So try not to worry too much.

With that said, if their anxiety persists, don’t be afraid to seek professional advice. Every child requires a different level of support, so focus on helping your child with their back-to-school anxiety.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Prepare For Starting School: A Guide for Anxious Parents

Posted on August 8, 2022August 8, 2022 by schoolhouse

Preparing your child for starting school is a scary experience – not just for them, but for you too! So we wanted to talk through our favourite tips to ensure you feel calm and collected on their first day.

Here are 5 strategies to help soothe your anxiety:

Take care of the logistics

There’s a lot to organise for your child’s first day of school. Transport, uniforms, lunches – the list goes on. So it’s understandable if you’re feeling stressed. The good news is that you can eliminate these anxieties by tackling your to-do list.

Start with the essentials (buying uniform, practising the school run) and continue until you feel content with your preparations. For example, if you’re worried your child won’t like their lunches, enquire about the school menu or practice preparing packed lunches they will enjoy.

Talk to their teacher

Often, our anxieties come from our fear of the unknown. So, it can help to have someone available to answer our questions and address our concerns. And who better to ask about preparing your child for starting school than their teacher?

Not only can they provide all the information you need, but meeting the person who will be caring for your child can be incredibly reassuring.

(With that said, try to save only the most specific questions for their school teacher. A quick Google search can usually address a lot of your queries.)

Check in with your child

It’s natural to worry about our children. What if they don’t enjoy school? What if they struggle to make friends? However, it’s important that we don’t project our own worries and concerns onto them.

The best way to assess how your child is actually feeling is to talk to them! If they are unhappy or have any concerns, they will let you know. Otherwise, try your best not to worry! Instead, focus on preparing your child for starting school by encouraging excitement and discussing what to expect.

Seek support from your partner or other parents

Sometimes, all you need to do to alleviate your anxiety is to talk to someone who understands how you’re feeling. So don’t bottle it up.

Share your concerns with friends, family members or even other school parents. Whether they can relate to how you’re feeling, offer some valuable advice or simply calm you down, a problem shared is always a problem halved.

Develop coping strategies

Although the main source of your anxiety is about preparing your child for starting school, that doesn’t mean your anxiety will disappear once they’ve settled in. Therefore, it’s a good idea to develop coping strategies to help manage your stress regardless of the circumstances.

Whether you trial different breathing techniques, channel your energy into exercise or talk to a professional – the goal is to find something that makes you feel good.

You can’t pour from an empty cup

It’s so easy to get swept away when preparing your child for starting school. But you must remember to prepare yourself for this transition too! So surround yourself with supportive people, don’t be afraid to ask questions and, most importantly, remember to take care of yourself!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Starting School: 10 Tips to Help Smooth their Transition

Posted on August 4, 2022August 8, 2022 by schoolhouse

Imagine being told you have to start spending your weekdays in an unfamiliar place with people you don’t know. Scary stuff, right? Well, that’s what starting school can feel like for our children!

So to help smooth their transition and ease any anxieties, we’ve listed our top 10 tips to prepare your children for school:

1. Engage in lots of different activities

Your child will be involved in lots of different activities once they start school. So they will need to learn how to transition from one task to another.

By engaging in various activities at home (reading, playing, snacking), you can practice moving from one task to another whilst stimulating their brains in preparation for school.

2. Encourage independence

Although your child will have the help and support of their teachers, they won’t receive the undivided attention they’ve previously had at home. So it’s always a good idea to encourage them to become a bit more independent before starting school. You can start with simple tasks like putting their coat on or tidying away their toys.

3. Arrange play dates

Recognising a familiar face on the first day of school can really reduce your child’s anxiety. So, try acquainting them with the other children attending their school! Sparking friendships before term starts can make the whole transition much easier.

4. Take time apart

If your child is used to spending all their time at home, the thought of starting school may be even scarier. So instead of throwing them in the deep end, try scheduling some time apart. Afternoons spent with friends or family will help them adjust to spending time away from you and their usual environment.

5. Practise putting on their school uniform

For many children, the first day of school will be the first time they wear their uniforms. But it doesn’t have to be!

Allowing your child to practise putting on their uniform will help eliminate unnecessary stress on their first day.

6. Visit their school

Taking your child to visit their school is a great way to get them excited about this new adventure.

Most schools offer official open days, but if not, you can always call up and ask to take a look around. That way, you both have the opportunity to familiarise yourselves with this exciting new environment.

7. Create a morning routine

A consistent morning routine can be a great comfort to your child – especially when they’re going through so much change. So try and ensure each morning looks the same during the run-up to starting school.

8. Tackle toilet training

Not every child will be fully toilet trained by the time school starts – and that’s okay! However, it is a helpful skill to have. So try and tackle toilet training before term starts. It will encourage your child to become more independent whilst also teaching them valuable lessons like how to wash their hands.

Read: How to Master Potty Training: the Ultimate Guide

9. Talk about it

Change is scary – no matter how old you are. So make sure you’re talking to your child about starting school. Answering their questions can simultaneously ease their anxieties and encourage excitement!

10. Take care of yourself

Your child isn’t the only one going through a transitional period. So make sure you’re taking care of yourself too!

Try using this time to focus on other positive outlets like work or hobbies. And don’t forget to talk to other parents. They’re going through the exact same thing, so you may find comfort in their solidarity.

Read: Prepare For Starting School: A Guide for Anxious Parents

Embrace the next chapter

Although change is scary, it’s also the start of a brand new adventure! So try your best to embrace the change and enjoy all the new experiences school can offer you and your child.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.