The three Rs key to back-to-school success

Getting your Preppie prepped for their first day of school is as easy as the three Rs, routine, routine, routine, according to Townsville University Hospital paediatrician Dr Jason Yates.

And Dr Yates’ advice is not to leave it too much longer to put some structure around your child’s day.

“School holidays are traditionally very relaxed with less structure around mealtimes and bedtimes,” he said.

“Starting school means going from less routine to a very structured day and the earlier you can get your child prepared for that the better,” he said.

“The steps to take in the lead-up to school are to set a bedtime and get some structure to mealtimes, not just let them graze all day.

“Children thrive off routine, particularly young ones, and it makes them feel safe.

“If your child is feeling nervous about the first day of school, routine is the best way to ease them into their new normal.”

A recent study by researchers at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital found Australian children’s sleep was adversely affected by excessive screen time and caffeine before bed.

Dr Yates said shelving the devices at least two hours before bedtime minimised sleep disturbance and difficulty falling asleep.

“Devices are the worst thing in the world for a child’s sleep and sleep patterns,” he said.

“The blue light emitted by devices impacts the body’s natural rhythm and interferes with the release of melatonin, the body’s natural sleep hormone.

“Prep children need around 10 to 12 hours sleep a night and good sleep means children can concentrate, lay down memory, and regulate their emotions.

“The best thing you can do for your child’s sleep is remove all devices before bed and try a book instead.

“And there’s no place for caffeine in a child’s diet.”

Dr Yates said it was normal for parents to feel anxious about their child starting school.

“Parents naturally worry about their child separating from them and can fret about them making friends and keeping up with the classwork,” he said.

“Kids are little radars for parental anxiety, so reassure your child that you’ll be back when the school day finishes and stay as calm and measured as you can.”

Dr Yates said it was important parents didn’t linger over their goodbyes.

“Greet the teacher, find a friend, give your child a big hug and a kiss, and then say goodbye,” he said.

“Hovering in or outside the classroom and coming back multiple times for more hugs only prolongs the inevitable.

“A child’s distress at you leaving will settle down quickly in the experienced hands of the Prep staff, so sometimes ripping the band-aid off will prevent more pain over time.”

Dr Yates’ Top Tips for Back to School

• start a back-to-school routine with consistent bedtimes and mealtimes
• put away the devices, including tablets, at least two hours before bedtime
• don’t linger over your first-day goodbyes
• don’t hover in or outside the classroom
• reassure your child you’ll be back when school finishes
• check-in regularly with your child about school