How to cope with the return to school after summer holidays

The back-to-school period is often talked about with joy and excitement. And in many ways, it is an exciting time. Children are starting a new year, and have the opportunity to learn new things. Parents will see their children achieve new milestones. And yet, the anxiety, fatigue, and frustration that many families feel isn’t often discussed, which can make parents feel isolated in their stress.

In this blog, we take a closer look at the factors that affect families during the back-to-school period, and how to cope in a way that’s sustainable and effective.

Planning and preparation

Summer holidays go by in the blink of an eye, but they can also feel exceptionally long. Having the children home for six weeks is a blessing, but parents are expected to juggle childcare with full-time work and very little annual leave. This can make it harder than ever to plan ahead for term-time, because there’s only so much space in one’s brain.

It can be helpful to outline priorities early on, to help make planning easier. For example, purchasing new uniforms might be a high priority, as it’s essential for the first day. If you want your child to join an after-school or Saturday activity, it could be a good idea to look for one that starts a couple of weeks after the first day of term. This gives you time to sit down and look at schedules and payments once your children are back in class and settling into their routines.

Financial support

The return to school is an extremely expensive time for families. A primary school uniform costs, on average, £343 per student per year. Coupled with new shoes, school supplies, field trips, and more, returning to school carries a hefty price tag for most families. This can mean that it’s harder to think about other essential aspects of a child’s experience, such as after-school or weekend activities.

Term-time classes that offer free and reduced-rate places, or offer pay-in-three or deferred payments, can help reduce the strain on families during an already tricky period. Smaller providers can often be more understanding or inclusive of individual families’ needs, which is worth considering when browsing for a club or activity.

Extra support

It takes a village to raise a child, and this becomes much more true during the back-to-school period. If your child is struggling with readjusting to school and classes, or has additional learning and support needs, then having more trustworthy adults involved in their development can be pivotal.

Joining an after-school or Saturday activity that has qualified safeguarding, SEN, and youth mental health support can be key. By speaking to the staff about your child, their interests, and their needs, you can not only feel confident that they’re in safe hands, but often learn more about coping mechanisms, reasonable adjustments, or regulations that can make your and your child’s lives easier.

It’s incredibly important to have sympathy and kindness for yourself during this transition. It’s an emotional and turbulent time for all families, and you are not alone in your experiences. If you’re based in South East London and looking for a term-time activity that’s supportive, inclusive, and offers financial support, check out Montage Theatre Arts. For almost 30 years, we’ve worked to create safe spaces for young people to discover their creativity, grow their self-belief, and become thriving members of their communities.

Bookings for term-time classes are now open. Click here, or email admin@montagetheatre.com, to learn more.