10 Ways Your Highly Sensitive Child Can Start School Right

Starting school is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for any child. However, for highly sensitive children, the transition to school can be especially challenging. For highly sensitive children the school environment is potentially overwhelming, as our children have a unique way of perceiving and processing the world around them. It’s no wonder then that so many parents of highly sensitive children find themselves struggling with school issues at one time or another. Here are some practical tips to help your highly sensitive child as they start their school journey.

Tips for a Smooth Start at School

Preparation is Key

Before the school year begins, talk to your child about what to expect. Visit the school, meet the teacher(s), and let your child become familiar with the new environment. For younger children, making a photo book of the school can help enormously prior to actually starting school. Make sure you have practiced the route to school if your child will make their own way to school. Having a clear idea of what’s ahead can ease their anxiety.

The Importance of a Good Sleep Routine

How well a day goes starts and ends (quite literally) with sleep. A rested child is better equipped to deal with challenges than a tired cranky one.

Create a Calm Morning Routine

Start the day with a calm and structured morning routine. Do anything you can to avoid rushing around in the morning, as this creates stress and feelings of anxiety. It will help to get as much ready as possible the evening before. Think about laying clothes out ready, packing a school bag, getting their PE kit ready. Leave ample time for breakfast and getting dressed and ready to leave. A relaxed start to the day can set a positive tone for school.

Comfort Items

Encourage your child to bring comfort items like a favourite stuffed animal or a small object that soothes them. It could be a bracelet you have made together. Or a photo of the family pet. Having a piece of home with them can provide comfort during the day.

Open Communication

Establish an open line of communication with your child. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns about school. Follow their lead. Validate their emotions and reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous. Similarly, an open line of communication with school is also important.

Advocate for Breaks

Speak with your child’s teacher about the importance of breaks for your child – that bucket time remains important in school too. Most highly sensitive children will benefit from short breaks to recharge during the school day.

Reading Tip: How to Stop a Highly Sensitive Child’s Bucket Filling in School

Mindful Classroom Environment

Share your child’s sensitivities with their teacher, so they can make accommodations when possible. Think of it as sharing your child’s instruction manual. This might include adjusting seating arrangements, minimising sensory distractions, or allowing quiet time.

Empower Self-Advocacy

Teach your child to recognise their own emotional needs and advocate for themselves when necessary. This is a skill they can start developing at a young age, but they will need your help in their younger years. Learning to understand their own emotions and advocating for themselves will serve them well throughout their school years and beyond.

Reading Tip: 7 Tips To Help You Advocate for Your Highly Sensitive Child

Keep an Eye on the Calendar

The start of school will exhaust some children. Keep an eye on those after school activities and appointments. Postpone non-essential appointments until your child is settled and has more energy. Skipping soccer practice or a music lesson during the first week of school may be wise.

Celebrate Successes

Celebrate even the smallest achievements with your child. Starting school can be a big step, and acknowledging their efforts boosts their self-esteem. The prompt, “tell me one good thing about your day” can help your child focus on what went well.

Conclusion

Highly sensitive children bring a wealth of unique qualities and talents to the classroom, but they also face distinct challenges. By understanding their needs and providing the right support, parents and teachers can help these children not only survive but thrive in the school environment. Remember that each child is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient, adaptable, and loving, and together, you can get the best out of the school years. It all begins with getting off to a good start at school.