My five-year-old son sighs heavily when I mention heading back to school.
He is the chirpy one of the bunch so I'm surprised to hear he is dreading his first day back after the holidays (it is his second year at school).
He explains to me that his older sister will be moving yards so he won't catch a glimpse of her during break time and my heart breaks.
Turns out he was LIVING for those 30 seconds a day where he waves frantically over at his big sister. And without it, his day would feel empty.
I ask my six-year-old daughter (the waving sister) how she's fixed for returning to school. 'Bad', she replies, sadly. 'This year at sports day, we only get medals IF WE WIN'. Huge changes afoot in this household.
Of course, they will forget all about those tiny troubles about 30 seconds into the day but I have gathered a list of things you can do to help your child celebrate their first day back.
1. Just a note
A little message on the mirror, first thing in the morning or in their bag goes a long way. It peps them up for the day and helps them feel that extra fuss on this big day.
2. Fuss Time
Make a fuss with a sweet poster or have some balloons ready to fling around when they arrive home. It will either totally embarrass them or they will NEVER forget their first day back.
3. Hunger Games
Have their favourite meal ready and write in ketchup 'Happy First Day Back' or similar. Again, this shows that you understand what a big deal it is for them and you are super supportive of them on this special day. It is not easy rekindling old friendships and getting back into the swing of the school day.
These tiny touches can make the transition much easier.
My littlest starts Montessori on the same day and I can't even.....but that's another article, for another day when I don't tear up just thinking about it.
