WAYS PARENTS COULD MAKE THE RETURN TO SCHOOL A LITTLE EASIER

Structure a homework timetable every week

Katharine Radice, teacher and author, recommends putting together a homework timetable.

"Doing this puts boundaries around homework and makes it easier to ring-fence distraction-free time," she says.

This could be different every week depending on different activities, but Radice stresses there should be a plan in advance so it's not left to the last minute.

For supporting children with homework, Radice suggests approaching the task in a "positive and open way" and listening to what they might be finding difficult.

She also recommends looking for opportunities to praise your child's effort in doing work to help them "stay motivated."

"If your child thinks their outcomes won't meet your expectations, they may start to feel that their effort is pointless," she says.

Don't just reassure children - listen to them

Some children who are returning to school may have anxieties about the year ahead, and Shield recommends to sit with your child and listen to their concerns.

"Don't immediately reassure them by saying, 'You'll be fine,'" he says.

"The child's got no evidence they will be fine because they're worried."

He suggests phrases such as "I can see you're worried" to make a child feel listened to. It is also worth trying to dig deeper to find out what is making them worried about school specifically.

He also recommends some gentle encouragement of positive things they like about school to ease some worries, such as lunchtime or playing sports with friends.

If anxiety does become overwhelming for them, if they aren't sleeping or it is stopping them from doing everyday things, then Shield recommends talking to the school or a local GP.

- Author: Emily Holt, BBC

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