Most children have gone back to school this week, parents in education are back at work and families are adjusting to the new normal after the summer holidays.
It can be really hard to adjust and so this post outlines the top 5 tips to make the transition a little easier.
Be patient, it is a massive change for little people and you. They will get tired, they might be nervous or really excited. Their emotions could be up and down like a roller coaster. Remember they are not sharing these emotions to annoy you...there are just some big emotions that they are trying to deal with and they will need your help. I often find a hug goes a lot further than a telling off when they are all over the place.
Put time aside purely for them to reafirm the bond, show them how much you love them. It doesn't have to be hours but sitting reading a book together, listening to their day over dinner, playing a game or just snuggling up watch an episode of their favourite programme. It is all about Dragons ride to the Edge in our house at the moment, which is great because I can happily watch an episode of that!!
Plan a treat at the end of the week. This doesn't have to be big but recognising how well they have done.
Keep your expectations lower of yourself and your children. You might not get everything done that you planned in that first week without the kids and the kids will be tired and might not tidy up after themselves and they might just want to veg out infront of the TV. This is ok. Give them a break and also make sure you have a break too. Go for a walk, grab a coffee and feel the peace around you.
Talk about what they are looking forward to this term. It might be they want to join a netball team, the lego club or can't wait for a play date, a school trip. Find out what it is and if they don't know, let's get some organised for the weekends or after school.
You are wonderful. Give yourself a pat on the back for looking after your children, no matter what their age.