There are nine things I recommend you include in a school success schedule.  

So, why does your child need a schedule?  

WHY CREATE A SCHOOL SUCCESS SCHEDULE? 
​The main reason to set up a school success schedule is to counteract unpredictability and be active in controlling what you can.  

It can be a huge help in managing school anxiety.
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Going through this process helps everyone in the family, particularly your child, know what to expect.  This predictability will help with easing the stress associated with starting a new school year.

When your child starts school for the first time, (or even for the 10th time) there is a shift in routine.  From holiday rhythm to school structure.  This is a huge change and can be a source of stress for parents and children.  

There are also a huge  number of questions that need answers.  Who is doing drop offs, pick ups?  What time do we need to get up, go to bed?  When do we prepare lunches?  What activities are scheduled for after school?  Is that too much, too little?  Reading? Bath or shower in the morning or at night?  How much time people have in the morning really varies. Does your child naturally wake early or late?  Is there a commute to school?  Do they have a bus to catch?  What if they don't want to wear the school uniform?  What if the school uniform is too itchy?

Does your child have meltdowns over school uniforms?  In my last blog I talked about some ways of helping reducing any anxiety your child may have about starting either school for the first time, or changing schools.  Today is about the uniform.  

This is often a contentious issue for children and adolescents I have seen over the years.  Uniforms by virtue of their name are meant to be an equalising factor in the school equation (see what I did there.. a maths reference..).  They are also an important part of the branding for many schools.  

​But as we know not all children fit the one size fits all uniform.  There are many reasons for this - sensory sensitivities is a major factor.  It includes things like - this tie is strangling me, my jumper/pants are itchy, and I hate the feel of school shoes. 

These issues can result in arguments between parents and children and students and their teachers.  However, just a few simple tips can help avoid some of the frustrations that often arise with uniforms.

1. If your child has sensory sensitivities, it is a great idea to have them get used to wearing their school uniform, including the shoes and hat.  If doing this doesn't work, it's time to sit down and negotiate some modifications with the school.

2. Where ever possible see if you can source second hand uniforms - much better for your finances and the environment. And often these are good to help with sensory sensitivities because they are softer.

3. Check what is compulsory and what isn't. Does your child want/need a variation?
Are girls allowed to wear 'shorts'? This is a common one that pops up. If it's not on the list, but is something your child wants to do - this is one worth a call with the school and possibly worth taking a stand on.

Signs of excessive anxiety in your child
These may include them continually asking you the same questions; having nightmares; changes in their eating or sleeping habits or other behaviour; crying or becoming angry for no reason; regressing to previous developmental stages such as wetting the bed, sucking their thumbs; saying they don’t want to go to school; and/or showing no interest in going to school.

Nothing seems to help
If you find these strategies are not helping maybe your child is not ready for school.  There is no evidence supporting that starting your child at school early is beneficial.  In many cases giving them a bonus year at Kindergarten is the best decision.  

Experience and research have told us much about creating school success,  Having worked with 1000s of children, adolescents and parents for over 17 years, Positive Young Minds offers private consultations where you can talk about your concerns and we can help you work through a plan to address the tricky bits of your child's educational journey.

If you prefer to learn on your own time, the Secrets of School Success online self-paced program is opening soon.

Kim Ross
Child Psychologist, Fierce Self-Care Advocate and Founder of Positive Young Minds​
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Have you been trying to fit mindfulness into your life?  Looking for an easy way to do it?  What to know more about what mindfulness is - have a look here.  For one practical way of introducing it in your life keep reading .....

Creating new habits can be really hard, particularly if you are trying to do it alone.  

One way that helps is to link your new positive habit with something you already do.  This means instead of creating a whole new life to fit a habit, you fit the habit into your existing life.  

One example.  Most mornings I go for a walk along the same path.  I am incorporating mindfulness by paying attention each walk to something different, or looking at the same thing differently.  The photos on this page were both taken on the same path, but largely on different days.  This is my monthly challenge, and I am posting on Facebook and Instagram.  

If you would like to join the challenge come and join us.  Or let us know how you easily fit mindfulness into your day.

If you would like to have a go at making changes in your life by starting small and supported, have a look at our 7 Steps to Change challenge.

If you are interested in mindfulness have a look at these two posts which are a sample of my writings on mindfulness.  MIndfulness and crocheting and Mindfulness and Driving.