For lots of children school is a wonderful experience. A place where they have fun, make friends and learn all sorts of things.

For some children this is not the case. For some, school can be a scary place that makes them feel intimidated and uncertain.

Anxiety around school can often arise when there is a change on the horizon.

• Perhaps it is starting school for the very first time
• Perhaps it is moving to a new class
• Perhaps it is moving from one part of the school to another
• Perhaps it is moving schools

All these things represent change in a child’s life and may cause concern for some. Then of course there are other children who glide through a series of changes without issue and taking everything in their stride. All children are different.

How you deal with this as a parent will vary depending on your children. Remember, you know them best.

Some of the things you might want to consider include.

• Speaking to the school or class teacher to enlist their help in a smooth transition
• Trying to ensure your child has a friend in their new class before term starts
• Talking with your child about their concerns or asking them to draw a picture of what concerns them, so you can better understand
• Reading books together about new schools, such as My Stinky New School, a charming book that helps children deal with unfamiliar circumstances
• Taking them with you to purchase uniform
• Starting a bravery chart where they collect stars each day
• Talking positively about school
• Trying to be relaxed yourself about the change, as children pick up on parental anxiety

Do your children like school? Do you have a child about to start for the first time or perhaps a child who is moving schools? How do you handle it?

If you would like to win a copy of My Stinky New School just enter below. UK entrants only please.

My stinky new school book