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5 ways to beat the back-to-school blues

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"A new term is filled with the possibility of new challenges, new friends and new experiences. It’s often a chance for learners to start over feeling refreshed and inspired to focus on their goals."
"A new term is filled with the possibility of new challenges, new friends and new experiences. It’s often a chance for learners to start over feeling refreshed and inspired to focus on their goals."

It’s time for your kids to sharpen their pencils as they head back into the classroom. The holidays are over and while parents may be harbouring some secret joy as their kids are taken off their hands, your children may need some convincing to fall back into their school routine.

"Returning or starting school after the long break can be a challenge for many students," says principal of Burgundy Estate-based school Riverside College, Dave Swart. "A new term is filled with the possibility of new challenges, new friends and new experiences. It’s often a chance for learners to start over feeling refreshed and inspired to focus on their goals."

To make the transition from holiday to study mode as smooth as possible, Swart offers these tips to help beat the back-to-school blues:

Ensure your child gets enough rest 

Ease your child back into a routine that ensures that they get a full, eight hours of sleep each night. This will get them ready for the busy days ahead, making sure that they are alert and ready to learn.

Focus on the positives 

Have your child identify five things that they are excited about for the upcoming term, this could be anything from being reunited with their friends to getting back into their sporting or cultural activities.

Also see: Back to school! All you need to know

Set goals together 

Get a pen and paper, sit down with your child and identify three key goals for the next six months. These should be academic, sport, social and family goals. Stick them up where they can be easily seen and make sure to revisit them at the end of the term.

Leave an uplifting note 

A lunchbox or pencil case is the ideal place to leave a special note for your child to find the next day. This method is especially effective for sensitive children who miss the safety and comfort of their home environment.

Encourage talking (and listening)

Communication should be your number-one motivational tool. Talk to your children about their experience at school and listen to what they say.

Hopefully these tips will prove helpful and while it may have just begun, the adjustment period will soon be followed by tests and exams.

Be sure to bookmark our Learn hub for study guides and other free resources. 

Chat back:

What's your secret to beating the back-to-school blues? Share your tips and we could publish your email. Anonymous contributions are welcome.

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