Communication is key
Talk to your child. Make sure that your child knows that talking to you is a safe space. Find a quiet time to chat without any distractions so you can listen carefully.
Conversation starters can help. You can use stories or look at social media posts about our Attendance Campaign to start the conversation.
Let your child know that their feelings are valid and encourage them to try and explain how they feel.
For younger children, help them name their feelings. For example, you could say, “When I feel scared, I get a knot in my tummy. Maybe you feel scared about going back to school. How does it make you feel?”
Check in with your child every day to see how they are feeling. You can use visuals like traffic lights, numbers, or happy, straight, and sad faces to help.