Readjusting to the new normal.

Have you found lately that your child is becoming more frustrated more frequently?  Maybe there has been an increase in crying, nagging, anger or even just acting out?  Or your child is experiencing frequent night waking and visits into your bed?

The last couple of months have been challenging for everyone, and for those young children who may not fully understand what a “virus” is or why we’ve been restricted to home, will also be aware of other stresses in the home environment.  

Let’s face it, it’s challenging for everyone. 

And as we begin the process of readjusting back into child care, kindergarten or even school, our children are going to be overwhelmed, nervous or even excited to be going back.  They will be resettling back into a routine and there is an increase chance that they’ll show this shift in their behaviour.

Children don’t have the ability to regulate their emotions until at least after the age of 8 years, and therefore young children will have a tendency to have difficulties expressing their emotions/feelings.

We know that behind every behaviour there is a reason. 

Some of these reasons may include a need for reconnection, tiredness, hunger or simply an expression of the stress of adjusting to the new normal.

There is also an element of being afraid or fearful of what is happening in a world that is forever changing. 

So what can we do to best support our child through the re-transition back into school or their early childhood setting.

• BE FLEXIBLE  and have an awareness that your child is readjusting once again.  We need to “pick our battles”, is it really worth a battle or is it best to let things go. For example: Does it matter if your child takes a different bag to school?
• RE-CONNECT and schedule times after pick up to connect, go enjoy a walk together or a play at the playground.  Enjoy a moment, phone free and a chance to chat about their day.
• CREATE A SAFE ZONE. Creating a space for your child at home to have some time to themselves, it could be a book corner, a cubby house or even some sensory type activities.  Sometimes your child may need time to gather their thoughts, have a moment to themselves.
• GET ORGANISED when we spend the morning rushing to get them to kinder or school on time, our child may start the day stressed and exhausted before the day has really begun.  Organise lunchboxes and lay out clothes the night before.  If you have the time prepare dinners on the weekend so you are not rushing at the end of the day too.
• PARTICIPATION and organise a family night or time together on the weekend as a family.  Family games, movie nights etc are a great opportunity for the family to bond, switch off and connect with each other. 

And when a behaviour occurs consider the following:

• Remember to pause, think and remain calm –  your child is having trouble regulating their emotions and frustrations.
• Validate their emotions – “I can see that you are angry”
• Wait until they’ve calm down but continue to keep communication open.
• Once your child has calm down, help find a solution or provide a chance to reconnect.

Do you feel that your could do with more guidance on support your child’s behaviours?  Unsure if the behaviour is typical or not typical?  The Early Parenting Village can provide strategies and support to help you manage your child’s behaviours.