As schools reopen across the country, parents and children are transitioning from the freedom of the holidays back to the demands of a new academic year. Beyond school supplies and new uniforms, helping children prepare emotionally, mentally and physically can make the transition smoother.

For some children, school resumed this week. For others, the countdown continues, with just a few days left before the school bags come out, uniforms are ironed and early mornings become the norm again.

After weeks of sleeping in, playing, travelling, spending more time with family and generally enjoying a slower routine, returning to school can bring mixed emotions. Some children are excited to see their friends and teachers again, while others may feel anxious about a new class, new expectations or the academic demands ahead.

For parents, therefore, back-to-school preparation should go beyond buying books and replacing worn-out school shoes. It is also an opportunity to help children mentally and emotionally transition into a new academic year.

One of the most important things parents can do is start a conversation about school. Ask your child how they feel about returning. Are they excited? Nervous? Worried about their grades? Looking forward to seeing their friends? Creating room for honest conversations allows parents to understand what may be happening beneath the excitement or reluctance.

This is particularly important for children who may be returning after an academically challenging previous session. Poor grades, missed targets or difficult experiences at school can affect a child’s confidence.

Rather than beginning the new academic year with reminders of what went wrong, help your child see the new term as an opportunity for a fresh start. Talk about what they can do differently. Encourage them to identify areas where they need support and reassure them that one difficult academic experience does not define their ability or future.

Then comes the more visible part of back-to-school preparation: shopping. School bags, textbooks, notebooks, stationery, lunch boxes, water bottles, uniforms, shoes and other school essentials are once again likely to feature prominently on parents’ shopping lists.

Beyond the shopping, parents should begin rebuilding the school routine. The transition from holiday hours to school hours can be difficult when children have become accustomed to staying awake late and waking up much later than usual. Rather than waiting until the night before resumption, gradually adjust bedtime and wake-up times in the days leading to school.

A consistent sleep routine can help children return to school more alert and ready to learn. The same principle applies to study. Children who have spent much of the holiday away from academic work may need time to regain their concentration. A short period of reading, revision or educational activity each day can help them ease back into learning without making the final days of the holiday feel like an extended classroom.

Parents can also use this period to revisit some of the previous academic year’s work. This should not become a punishment or another source of pressure. Instead, go through selected areas where your child struggled and discuss what could be improved. The objective is not simply to remind them of their mistakes, but to help them understand what those experiences can teach them.

As the school gates reopen, parents can help make the transition less stressful by focusing not only on whether their children are ready with their books and uniforms, but whether they are ready in mind and spirit for the journey ahead.

Tips for parents

Start the routine early
Gradually restore school-day sleeping and waking times before resumption.

Have the conversation
Ask your child how they feel about returning to school and pay attention to signs of anxiety or reluctance.

Check before you shop
Take inventory of school supplies that can still be reused before buying replacements.

Involve your child
Allow them to participate in age-appropriate back-to-school preparations and budgeting.

Ease into academics
Introduce short reading or revision sessions rather than overwhelming them with long study hours.

Review, don’t reprimand
Use previous academic challenges to identify lessons and areas for improvement.

Set realistic goals
Help your child establish specific academic and personal targets for the new term.

Protect their sleep
A well-rested child is better positioned to concentrate, learn and manage the demands of school.

Keep communication open
Let your child know that they can talk to you about academic pressure, friendships, teachers or anything else affecting their school experience.

Celebrate progress
Focus on effort, improvement and consistency, not just grades. Children need to know that growth is also an achievement.