August finds us in the midst of the big summer holidays, looking for ways to keep the kids amused and stay sane. But for some of our children it is a time of excitement mixed with trepidation as they prepare to make the leap from primary to secondary school in September.

Every child is different, of course, and there are the lucky ones who find school a breeze and can’t wait for the new adventures which lie ahead. For others who are nervous about entering the new environment, we may have to be more strategic in how we support them.
Ensuring they have everything they need for the new term is a great place to start: new school bag, stationery, sports kit and the obligatory water bottle are all key items to help ensure they feel prepared.

Next come the conversations: talking and listening closely about how they feel, what they are confident about and what they are unsure of gives our children a sense of control in the situation.

Practising new skills such as catching the bus alone, walking to and from school, and talking to new people for the first time can all be introduced this month.

There are lots of ways to help prepare them for the move

For shy kids, leading the way by striking up conversations at the park and demonstrating how to introduce yourself are great ways to teach these skills.

For more confident kids you may have to chat about staying focused whilst crossing the road, not using their phones whilst walking down the street, and being alert to what is happening around them, and encourage them to stay in touch when plans change.
Setting expectations whilst releasing the reins is a delicate matter and it is so helpful to show children that we trust them and give them clear boundaries whilst allowing them freedom to manage themselves without our guidance.

It is a time of change for everyone as we learn to let them go a little, stop walking them to school or dropping them off every morning, and also begin to see them making choices for themselves. They may start joining in after-school activities, going to friends’ houses after school and making new friends who we, as parents, may not know in the same way as we did their primary school friends.

It is normal to feel a little grief for the social world you have inhabited throughout primary, especially if this is your youngest moving up. But never fear; the world of secondary school will invite you to participate regularly and you will still be the centre of their world for a good while yet.

In the meantime, enjoy your summer and celebrate having got them this far – you have done well!