Summary
Learn how to help adopted children cope with post-holiday school anxiety with these practical tips. Discover the importance of visual cues, worry discussions, sensory activities, and more. Find support from organisations like Adoption UK, Connect Cymru, and Neurodivergence Wales.
The return to school after the Christmas break can be particularly challenging for adopted children. Many children develop worries around leaving their parents and become upset at the prospect of separation, such as going into school. This behaviour can start following any change, such as starting a new school, moving house, or experiencing a loss or bereavement.
8 Tips to Help Your Child Adjust:
- Visual Cues: Visual planners and communication tags (like TomTag) are great because they make daily activities more predictable, reducing anxiety and helping children understand what comes next.
- Worry Discussions: Designate times to talk about worries and avoid discussing them at other times.
- Praise Independence: Offer praise for coping without reassurance, even if it’s for very short periods. For example, you can say, “You’re doing so well handling this on your own!” This encourages the child to continue managing their anxiety independently.
- Consistent Separation Routine: At separation points, behave as you would if your child wasn’t distressed (e.g., say goodbye, smile, and leave).
- Avoid Excessive Talk: Avoid talking excessively or asking for explanations for behaviours.
- Sensory Activities: Engage your child in sensory activities that help them calm down and feel grounded. This can include activities like jumping on a trampoline, using a weighted blanket, or playing with sensory toys. There are also many examples of how sensorimotor activities can help – check out this informative article or this blog post.
- Communicate with School Staff: Encourage open communication with teachers and school staff about the child’s needs and any strategies that work well at home. This can help create a supportive environment at school.
- Seek Support: Dealing with an anxious child can be very stressful. Seek support from professionals, other parents, or family members.
Remember, many children experience this issue, and many parents feel frustrated in relation to it. Don’t feel guilty. If you need further support, please contact us. We are here to help. There are also a number of helpful organisations that can provide you with support:
- Adoption UK (Wales): Offers a range of support services for adoptive families, including local community groups across Wales. They provide advice, friendship, and various events to help families connect and support each other.
- Connect Cymru: A service specifically for adopted children and young people in Wales, developed by adopted young people. They offer various programs and support tailored to the needs of adopted children.
- Neurodivergence Wales: This organization is funded by the Welsh Government, hosted by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), and works in partnership with Public Health Wales (PHW). The team works closely with the Welsh Government, local authority Autism Leads, health boards, key stakeholders, and advisory groups.
These resources can provide valuable support and information for you. If you need more specific recommendations or further support, please contact us.
