Back to School - Say “Cheese!”
Social media is currently swamped with back to school photos. The different platforms are full of children looking like they’re ready for the new term, and many are, but a snap shot can be deceptive. We’d all like our young people to feel prepared, but the return to the classroom and the settling in period can be a very difficult time for some.
With that in mind, it was interesting to read an article earlier this week sparked by comments from the Chief Medical Officer. Professor Chris Whitty (possibly the most recognisable CMO we’ve ever had) has advised that children with mild anxiety are better off in school. You can read more about his thoughts HERE. In a nutshell, he says long periods of absence can make the situation worse.
So it made perfect sense that our first webinar of the new school year focussed on getting back to the classroom….and making that transition from a long summer break a little easier.
“When they return after the summer, anticipatory anxiety means pupils can be worrying about anything and everything” Dr Sarah-Jane Knight.
It was a great first session after the summer break. We were joined by our resident clinical psychologist, Dr Sarah-Jane Knight and the Assistant Head of Mill Hill School, Jade Boyle.
Sarah-Jane has worked for the NHS and CAMHS and now runs a private practice, Commune Psychology. Jade is new to us at Let’s All Talk Mental Health. She has teaching experience in both the state and private sector and, at Mill Hill, is the Designated Mental Health lead. We were very happy to have her on board. Her advice and experience were a great asset to the conversation.
And we covered lots of useful ground including friendship issues, anxiety, school refusal and tips on how parents and teachers can best work collaboratively…...
“Trust us to do your job while they’re at school, and if they’re really finding it hard to get into school, write an email NOW, don’t delay it” Jade Boyle
“We’re all human but don’t create a split between your child and the school. A positive attitude from parents helps the child to feel safer and any other message is unhelpful”
Dr Sarah-Jane Knight.
Many useful tips and pointers from both of them and you can watch the webinar again HERE.
Next week - Talking the Tough Stuff with Teens
We are very lucky to have the wonderful Fiona Spargo-Mabbs joining us. Fiona's clear, concise and considered advice comes from experience. She spends a lot of time talking with young people and knows how to get important messages across to them. Next week’s session is called “Talking The Tough Stuff With Teens”. It is definitely one to watch and we are looking forward to catching up with her and finding out about her latest work. And if you want to join us, you can find the details HERE.
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