Back to School Survival Kit - Support Children Back To School

The transition back to school can be a time filled with a mix of fear and anxiety for some children and teens, especially those experiencing school anxiety or EBSA. To help ease these feelings and provide support, the Back to School Survival Kit is designed to empower students with the tools and knowledge they need to handle their first weeks back.

About This Resource

The Back to School Survival Kit is a comprehensive resource that guides children and young people through creating a personalised kit to help them navigate the start of the school year. This kit equips them with practical tools and strategies to manage their emotions, stay organised and feel prepared for any challenges ahead.

How to Use

1. Introduction: Begin by discussing with your child or teen the common feelings associated with returning to school, such as anxiety, excitement or nervousness. Explain how creating a survival kit can help address these feelings and prepare them for the school year.
2. Create the Kit: Follow our prompts to make an imaginary kit full of strategies, positive affirmations and objects that soothe and calm. You could also turn this into a physical kit, which they can take with them if needed and supported by your child's school. Examples of items and strategies include: stress balls, positive affirmation cards, a planner, comforting personal items, or a pack of calm cards.
3. Discuss Strategies: As an additional activity, help your child or teen brainstorm and write down strategies for managing stress and anxiety. This might include relaxation techniques, time management tips or methods for staying organised and focussed. These can also be added to your child's Survival Kit.
4. Put Into Practise: Encourage your child or teen to use their strategies and objects when needed to help them when they are in school or during mornings before school.

Benefits

• Reduces Anxiety: Helps alleviate feelings of anxiety and overwhelm by providing practical tools and strategies for managing school anxiety and EBSA.
• Promotes Self-Efficacy: Encourages children and teens to take an active role in managing their emotions, boosting their confidence and self-regulation skills.
• Encourages Emotional Regulation: Equips students with coping mechanisms and self-care strategies to handle challenging emotions and situations.
• Develops Independence: Helps children and young people develop a sense of independence and control over their school experience, contributing to overall well-being.

The Back to School Survival Kit is an essential resource for helping children and teens transition smoothly back into the school year. By creating a personalised kit, students gain valuable tools and strategies to manage their emotions, helping them feel prepared and ready to tackle any emotional challenges for the year ahead.

Download the Back to School Survival Kit today and equip your children with the tools they need to thrive and make the transition back to school a positive and empowering experience.