Urgent Tips for Parents as Irish Schools Return This Week

UPDATE: As Irish schools reopen this week, parents face the rush of early mornings, busy school runs, and the pressure of homework. Experts from HSE’s mychild.ie have shared urgent tips to ease the transition for families during this critical time.

Schools across Ireland are welcoming students back as early as September 4, 2023. With this return, the stress of adapting to school life is palpable. Dr. Abigail Collins, HSE National Clinical Lead for Child Health Public Health, emphasizes that the shift can evoke a mix of excitement and anxiety.

“Whether your child is returning or starting school for the first time, it’s crucial to prepare them for what to expect,” says Dr. Collins. Parents are encouraged to discuss logistics such as transportation, pick-up arrangements, and after-school activities to help ease their children’s worries.

Key Tips for an Easy Transition:
1. **Establish Routines:** With summer schedules behind them, families should reintroduce consistent bedtime and morning routines to promote better sleep. A calm evening ritual involving reading or chatting can support this transition.

2. **Support Emotional Readiness:** Children may feel nervous about returning to school after months at home. Parents should validate their feelings and reassure them that it’s normal to feel anxious. Encourage open conversations about their worries.

3. **Choose the Right Gear:** Selecting appropriate footwear and a well-fitted backpack is essential. Opt for a backpack with two adjustable padded straps to ensure comfort and support. Make sure school shoes fit well, allowing about 1cm of space between the toes and the shoe tip.

4. **Prevent Illness:** Schools can be breeding grounds for common illnesses. Parents should teach children good hand hygiene and keep up with necessary vaccinations. Having a thermometer and pain relief medication on hand can also help manage minor health issues.

5. **Know When to Keep Them Home:** Children displaying symptoms like a temperature above 38°C, diarrhea, or severe fatigue should stay home from school. Familiarize yourself with local healthcare facilities for any urgent care needs.

6. **Vaccination Awareness:** As children enter school, they will undergo vision and hearing screenings. Additionally, junior infants and first-year secondary students will receive vaccinations to protect against serious illnesses. Parents must return consent forms promptly to ensure their children are covered.

With a rise in measles and whooping cough cases reported in Europe, keeping vaccinations up to date is more critical than ever. The free nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2 to 17 will also be available this autumn, and parents should contact their GPs to catch up on any missed vaccinations.

As the school year begins, these expert tips from HSE aim to alleviate stress and ensure a smooth transition for children and parents alike. Families should act now to implement these strategies and prepare for a successful school term ahead.

For more detailed guidance, visit HSE’s mychild.ie, where additional resources and updates are available to support families during this important time.