As we head towards a return to school, we need to mindful of the emotions of our children. Many will feel excited to be coming back to school to see their friends and teachers, others may feel a little reluctant after spending such a long time at home feeling safe in their home environment.

We need to encourage positive self -talk as we prepare the students to enter the school grounds. Returning to the classroom will take some time to get back into the daily routines, unpacking the bag, waiting for fruit break, snack and lunchtime especially. We need to encourage the students to take time to breathe and be mindful of these changes in their daily routine in relation to the routines they have developed at home.

I have attached an article by Michael Grose the author of Parenting Ideas on 10 ways to promote good mental health and wellbeing in kids. You might also like to use some of the attached breathing boards for the students to focus their energy if they are needing a break to assist them in regulating their breathing in preparation to start the day or throughout the day.

Keep smiling,

Maree Hills