Communication is key
Talk to your child. Make sure that your child knows that talking to you is a safe space. Find a time to talk to them without any distractions or interruptions so you can give them your full attention.
Conversation starters can help. Try sharing stories or looking at materials such as our Attendance Campaign posts on social media.
Let your child know that their feelings are valid and encourage them to try and explain how they feel.
With younger children you can help your child to name their emotions physically. For example: “When I feel scared, I feel a knot in my tummy. I’m wondering if you may feel scared about going back to school and how that is making you feel.”
Make time to check in with your child daily and check how they are feeling. You can use visuals to support this, like a traffic light, number scale or smiley, straight and sad faces.