It’s hard to believe that the Summer holidays are over and the kids are back in school. It’s even more difficult given the weather we have had. Getting back into the routine of school lunches, tracksuit or uniform day, fussy eaters at breakfast, deadlines, extra curricular activities, homework…… it’s enough to make you dizzy just thinking about it. The upside of course is that routine gives structure to the day. Mealtimes once again fall at regular times rather than the grazing all day that defines the holidays. Less time is spent in front of Play Stations, TV’s & Computers as homework and activities take over and a more reasonable bedtime becomes the norm.

A word of caution about extra activities for children, don’t take on too many, particularly if you have more than one child. Kids need time just to be kids. They need to play and spend time with other kids in an unstructured way. They need to burn off energy, both emotional and physical, following their hours sitting in school. Play is vital for a child’s healthy development and it is essential to have sufficient time factored into the week just for Playtime. Don’t be too hard on yourself if it seems a bit chaotic at the moment, it takes time to get back into the swing of things. And for those of you whose child is starting Primary School for the first time, it is a big event in your life and your child’s life. The most important thing to remember is that child can pick up on your emotions and mirror them, so a big happy face is the one to wear this week. Getting everything ready the night before will ensure that both parent and child can start the day on a good note. If your child is happy and not stressed by deadlines then it is easier to deal with any drama’s that might occur at the school gate. Finally, thought you won’t find it in any parenting books, bribery is not misguided if the occasion requires a sweetener. Good luck to you both!