Surely most of us have heard about the post-vacation syndrome, that set of symptoms of discouragement, sadness and disgust when returning to work after the holidays. And is that "return to reality" after having spent many days relaxing is not always something simple and requires an adaptation process.
In children, there is something similar to post-vacation syndrome: normality syndrome. We tell you what it is and we share some tips to overcome it and can better prepare for the return to school.
What is normality syndrome?
As I said at the beginning, the normality syndrome would be the children's version of the famous post-vacation syndrome, and usually appears during the first days of class, that is, on that return to normal.
In Babies and moreBack to routine without stress: seven tips for a return to school more bearable This syndrome, although It is not a disease but it does have several symptoms, can cause in children a state of tiredness, fatigue and anxiety, which in extreme cases can cause depression. If it can be difficult for us as adults to return to the routine, for children, who may have been without routines during the holidays, it can be even more.
The syndrome of normality can manifest with a general discouragement, but it is possible that the symptoms are not expressed through sadness, so it is important that we have our eyes wide open to possible alert attitudes, such as the child become irritating or aggressive.
Tips to overcome the normal syndrome
To prevent children from showing symptoms of normal syndrome and facilitate going back to school, we must help and accompany them so that they gradually adapt and the return to the routine is not so difficult.
Make them participants in the purchase
Try to get your children to participate in the purchase of the things they will need to go back to school: clothes, backpack, school supplies, and so on. If possible, you can allow them to help you choose the things they will use, so that they feel more excited.
Remember that the backpack should be light, and that the maximum weight that children should carry in their backpacks must be 10% of the total weight of each child. In the case of backpacks with wheels, the maximum weight they must carry is 20% of the total weight of the child.
Sleep routine
Ideally, try to follow the same sleep routine in summer, although without the pressure of following a schedule it is easy to relax a little and stop doing it. If the sleep routine has disappeared, begin to retake it gradually with the help of some tricks:
- Encourage them to do some physical activity at the end of the afternoon.
- Give them a warm bath at the end of the day, so they can relax and prepare for bedtime.
- A light but nutritious dinner will help make it easier for you to fall asleep and don't go to bed with a very full stomach.
- Start lowering the blinds or close the curtains shortly before it's time to go to bed, so that the outside light doesn't bother you.
- Set (or retrieve) a specific schedule for the use of devices such as mobiles, tablets and television, and leave them outside the room.
In Babies and more, how hard it is to wake up! So you can help your child get up early before going back to schoolPlan your week
Help them plan your weeks, so that you have periods of work and free time every day. Give them time to relax after school before starting homework and try to make the most of the weekends to have fun and rest.
Also keep in mind that you must be flexible, as circumstances and needs will change on the fly to adapt to your schedules and responsibilities.
Help them organize their times
Speaking of organizing schedules, you can help them organize the times they will spend doing homework and teach them to distribute work in small and affordable parts. At first (and when they require it) help them with their homework so they don't feel overwhelmed and find it easier to get used to doing them.
Recognize your achievements
Rehabilitation to the routine may not be simple and children may be a little reluctant to some changes, so it is important to motivate them. One way to achieve this is recognizing and giving value to your achievements, within a loving and positive context.
Watch your eating habits
If your children are very worried about going back to school, they may turn to food to comfort themselves. Pay attention to their diet, to make sure they are eating well and talk to them so they don't eat many goodies between meals.
Plan a special experience
The first week back to school is usually the most difficult, so in addition to following these tips and supporting your children you can consider planning a special experience at the end of that first week, such as an excursion to a theme park or going to the movies.
This can be great for the first week of school, however it does not mean that it is not beneficial afterwards. They can even organize walks a couple of weekends a month to get out of the routine a bit and also, have more quality family time.
Reassure them and give them emotional support
To many children it makes them nervous to go back to school for various reasons. Help reassure them by telling them that their friends will remain in school if so, or if they have had to change to a new school, try to encourage them by telling them that other new children will feel the same and will have the opportunity to make new friends.
Keep a positive attitude
Last but not least, try to maintain a positive attitude. Going back to the routine can be difficult and tedious for everyone, but you should do your best to show yourself excited about going back to school so spread your family good energy.
In Babies and more Children also suffer from post-vacation syndrome, how can we help them?The ideal is to start prepare in advance so that the start of classes does not represent a very dramatic change for children and thus avoid the appearance of normal syndrome. However, if you have not done so, you can always put these tips into practice even if classes have already started.
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