Welcome to the new school year.  Hopefully the transition back to school has been a smooth one after our long school break.  If you have a child who has started school and is experiencing separation anxiety, there are some great tips from Australian parenting guru, Maggie Dent: 

• Fill an empty, lidded container with kisses from loved ones and tuck it in the bottom of their backpack.
• Draw funny pictures on their lunch bags or leave a lovely note in their lunch box.
• Teach them how to take 3 big breaths and breathe out the butterflies hiding in their tummy or gently rub their tummy telling the butterflies they are safe.
• Have them wear a lanyard with a photo of someone they love – they can look at it often and even ‘talk’ to them throughout the day.
• Help build a special connection to one teacher or staff member who is nurturing their transition to school. Have a photo of them up at home and talk about them sometimes. Secondary attachment can work magic!

You can read more timeless tips in Maggie’s blogs: https://www.maggiedent.com/blog/sensitive-kids-starting-school/ & https://www.maggiedent.com/blog/10-tips-ease-separation-distress/.

The second set of tips this week comes from Child Development Specialist, Dr. Siggie, sharing tips on giving behaviour specific feedback.  We all find it easiest to just say “Be Careful!” when a child is doing something that might be dangerous, or we want to protect furniture and belongings.  If it’s effective and your child responds just as you wish, then no need to read any further.  If you’re frustrated that they don’t appear to be listening, or are finding the instruction too abstract, then the following tips and scripts may be helpful.

• "I need you off the counter right now."
• "No jumping on the couch/bed/chair. I know you love to jump, and you can do that where? Yes, outside, on the trampoline."

In general, being clearer and more specific is going to be a more effective way of communicating with your child.  Say exactly what you want them to do:

• I need you to carry that cup/plate/dish carefully

• I need you to either walk in the house, or go for a run outside

• Swinging that inside could break something - be mindful of your surroundings

As always, enjoy the journey, they grow up fast ?.