Navigating the End of the School Year: Tips for Parents

We are nearly at the end of another school year and for some children the last half term can be extra challenging. The final few weeks of school, often become less structured, with events like school plays, trips, and sports days, replacing the regular timetable. These can be great fun, but I know many families whose children find this stressful, as they need routine and predictability.

Here are some tips to help your child finish the school year on a positive note.

1. Talk to School: Meet with your child’s teacher and explain your concerns. Tell them how overwhelming and disruptive end of term activities can be for your child and that they will need extra support.
2. Request a Detailed Timetable of Events: Ask school to give you a schedule of the activities planned for the final weeks. This can include dates, times, changes in classroom settings, and any special instructions, such as ‘non-uniform’ for a school trip or ‘parents attending’ for a special assembly. It helps if you and school can share this information with your child in advance, so they are mentally prepared for the changes.
3. Create a Visual Calendar: Together at home, make a visual calendar.  Use photos, images, or symbols that your child understands. Look at it regularly so your child knows what to expect. This will help reduce their anxiety.
4. Maintain Some Routine: Try and keep to regular routines in the morning and evening, as this can provide stability.
5. Ensuring a Safe Space: Quiet areas of the classroom,  pop-up tents, etc, where children can go when they feel overwhelmed are important. However, as classrooms get cleared, ready for the summer deep clean, these areas can get removed. Ask school to leave this area untouched until the last day.
6. Special Objects: Allow your child to bring a small, familiar object from home that can provide comfort during the school day. This might be a favourite toy, or a family photo.
7. Prepare for Goodbyes: Your child may be sad to be losing their teacher. At home or in school, create a memory book with photos, and notes from the past year. Thank you cards and small presents given to teachers  are a positive way for your child to express their feelings and have a good ending.
8. Celebrate Achievements: Talk to your child about all they have achieved over the year. A positive celebration can help them feel proud and build their resilience. Have a special day out, or buy them a present, to mark the ending.

The key is having good communication with school. Explaining that extra support, can help ensure your child has a happy, calm ending to the school year.

What things does your child struggle with at the end of  the school year? Have you got any strategies you find useful? If so, please share them in the comments box.

If you need support around school transitions and more, contact Joy to arrange a free 20-minute discovery call and find out how she can support you and your family. www.joyrichardsoncoaching.co.uk         joy@joyrichardsoncoaching.co.uk