Breaks are short so children often prioritise getting out to play with their friends over eating! Or maybe somebody commented on what your child had in their lunchbox and they no longer want to eat it. Or maybe they simply don’t like what is in there!

Rather than ranting over the waste, take the time to talk to your child to understand what the barriers are to eating their lunch and together come up with a lunchbox plan that works for everyone. 

Now you have established what might work for your child, consider handing over the responsibility to them for creating their own lunch. Handing over responsibility doesn’t mean letting them have whatever they want!

Have a store of foods that work for you that you know they like and let them choose what to take each day.

For a well balanced diet, ideally a school lunch should consist of dairy, fruit and vegetables, protein and carbohydrate. Along with water for hydration.

• Yogurt is the perfect option for dairy. The Glenisk Organic Kids range comes in 4 great flavours, are 100% natural, have no added sugar or bits and taste great! The new paper pots and sleeves are certified climate neutral by Climate Partner. The protective layer that keeps the yogurt pot leak-proof, food safe and ideal for lunchboxes, is made from Green PE, which comes from tree resin instead of fossil fuels.
• Vary the choice of fruit and vegetables and keep them to seasonal varieties where possible. The ideal portion is one medium sized piece of fruit or 2 small sized pieces, a small salad or chopped up or grated vegetables. During the winter months, you could include a vegetable soup.
• Protein can be added to sandwiches or come in the form of a dip. Include up to 75g cooked meat or a large egg, small tin of fish such as tuna, mackerel or salmon or a small pot of hummus.
• Carbohydrates should be wholemeal when possible. Vary the options so your child doesn’t get bored, Some ideas apart from bread for sandwiches are rolls, bagels, pitta pocket, wraps, breadsticks or crackers, pasta, rice or couscous.

There are literally hundreds of different lunchboxes to choose from. The most important thing for any child, is that they can easily open and close it without help.

After that, it can be good to get a box with compartments so when your child comes to eat lunch, the choice is not too overwhelming. Different foods can be placed into the compartments to make choosing what to have at small break or big lunch quick and simple.

Glenisk Organic Kids Yogurts are the ideal size for popping into lunchbox compartments and with 4 tasty flavours, your child can have a different one each day!

Keep portions kid sized. Something your child can easily pick up and get through quickly. Usually lunchtimes are about getting through the food as quickly as possible so they can play with friends.

If you are worried they aren’t eating enough, bulk up breakfast or their after school snack to compensate.

Glenisk Organic Kids Yogurts are also perfect for both breakfast and after school snacks, choose from strawberry, vanilla, apricot and banana, all 100% natural with no added sugar and kid sized too.

Keep lunchboxes exciting by regularly reviewing the choices you offer with your child. While many are happy to eat the same thing for months on end, trust me one of my girls took the same lunch almost every day last year, others want a change, my other lady totally loved a certain food until I had a stockpile of it and then she announced she didn’t like it anymore!

Remember lunch is only one meal of many and so long as they eat a small amount to sustain them between breakfast and an after school snack, they will be fine.

Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!

For more than 30 years, Oh the Places You’ll Go, a Dr. Seuss classic, has carried us through life’s ups and downs – from fun times and triumphs, to lurches and slumps! Take an entertaining look at the adventures life has in store for all of us in this very beloved classic.

School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester’s fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary.

Since its first publication in 1993, the heartwarming tale of The Kissing Hand has become a children’s classic that has touched the lives of millions of children and their parents, especially at times of separation, whether starting school, entering daycare, or going to camp.

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It’s a big day for Little Owl. His first day at school. Little Owl doesn’t want a big day though. He’d rather stay at home and have fun with Mummy and Baby Owl. But at school he gets to build a rocket, learn to fly and even make a tiny new friend. Maybe big days spent with friends can be lots of fun after all!

From the bestselling creators of Little Owl’s Egg comes another gentle and comforting story about lovable Little Owl’s First Day. Perfect for any little one starting nursery or school.

Anna Llenas’s popular Colour Monster is back in The Colour Monster Goes to School, and this time he’s heading off to school! But what exactly is school? A spooky castle filled with terrifying animals? A place in the sky, amongst the rainbows and clouds?

From music lessons to lunchtime to making new friends, the Colour Monster’s first day of school is filled with exciting new adventures.

If you can’t wait to start school, or are feeling a little nervous, this is the perfect book for you. Full of humour and fun, Starting School is a reassuring read that will help children and parents get ready for the first day of school, and find out what to expect from the rest of their first term.

At the bottom of the garden
where no one really sees,
a secret school is hidden
amongst the grass and weeds.

Welcome to Bug School! Don’t be nervous on your first day – it’s lots of fun. Learn creeping with the spiders, singing with the crickets, count spots with the ladybirds and hop, skip and jump in P.E. with the fleas!

First Day at Bug School is a rhythmic, bright celebration of school, starring some very cute bugs indeed! Sure to allay first-day-at-school fears.

Lily and Blue Kangaroo – a friendship forever! The eighth title in this hugely popular series featuring Lily and her loveable soft toy sees the inseparable duo starting at a new school with surprising results.

When Lily starts at a new school she asks Blue Kangaroo to come too. Lily thinks Blue Kangaroo is worried about going but, secretly, he can’t wait to explore and try new things – which is just as well, because the fun lasts even longer than he expected…

Come to School Too, Blue Kangaroo is a reassuring story for children starting school.

In Mr Men & Little Miss Go to School, Little Miss Tiny is going to school and some of the other Mr Men and Little Miss with a few things to learn are joining her!

How will Mr Muddle get on with maths and will Mr Messy create a work of art in painting?

Topsy and Tim Start School is a perfect, reassuring picture book for children who are just about to start school. Along with favourite characters Topsy and Tim, children will learn what to expect in lessons, in the playground – even in the canteen – and, more importantly, that school can be fun!

Mouse’s Big Day is a warm and funny story about friendship, that’s perfect for any child who is starting school or nursery.

It’s Mouse’s first day at school and she’s feeling a little nervous…in fact, she doesn’t want to go at all. Luckily, there’s a class full of new friends waiting for her and lots of fun to be had at Twit Twoo School. Can Mouse find the confidence to join in with her classmates and learn just how brilliant school can be?

Join Mouse, Frog, Rabbit, Mole, Owl and their teacher, Miss Hoot, at their fun-filled treetop school. With a cast of adorable animal characters and bright, bold, distinctive illustrations from the award-winning Lydia Monks, illustrator of the bestselling What the Ladybird Heard series, the Twit Twoo School series is sure to delight young children.

A classic Charlie and Lola picture book about starting school worries, from Children’s Laureate Lauren Child.

Charlie’s little sister Lola is nearly big enough to go to school. But Lola is not so sure…

Lola says, “I am absolutely not BIG. I am still really quite small. I probably do not have time to go to school. I am too extremely busy doing important things at home.”

I Am Absolutely Too Small for School is a classic first-day-at-school tale addresses children’s fears with warmth, humour, and a lot of fun.

This Usborne Starting School Sticker Book is a fun way to familiarise young children with all the things they will need to know and be able to do when they start school.

Following a typical day at school, children will enjoy using the stickers to help the characters in the book get dressed, pack bags, hang up coats, change for PE, and participate in art class, lunchtime, playtime, story time and home time. With over 100 stickers, this is sure to keep little children occupied for hours.

Use colourful chalks to write the year, class and teacher’s name out on the pavement like this cute example one parent showed off on Pinterest.

Alternatively, you could create a full chalk picture around your child to record the day, like this fun idea from Paging Fun Mums!

Grab a large white men’s t-shirt and create this brilliant photo prop for your back to school photos!

Where the Smiles Have Been shows you just how to create your own graduating class t-shirt, complete with spaces for a handprint each year. What a brilliant gift to present your child with at their graduation?!

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Show your child holding a picture from last year, which is a great way to show the changes in a year. Some parents also do last day of school pics to go with the first day of school, but I like this idea from How Does She where you have your child’s last year photo in a frame for them to hold for this year’s photo. Plus, you’ll find fantastic step-by-step instructions on how to create this picture-in-a-picture idea.

Keep it simple with a homemade printed sheet, listing the details of the coming year.

You could even turn it into a keepsake by adding a signed message of good luck from each family member!

Create your own giant homemade (and reusable) Polaroid frame with instructions from No Biggie, then digitally add the year, class, or funny message that will immortalise your child’s return to school each year.

Taking your child’s picture with their siblings as well as by themselves makes for a nice series. I love this idea from Pinterest, with the older sister holding the younger sibling’s 1st day sign.

If you have a glass door then you could use markers to decorate it with their year and details and take the photo through the glass like this parent did on Pinterest.

Write out the number for their class and the year or have your child write it to practice their handwriting like mum Kate had with her child on HVParent.com.

Isn’t this a clever idea from Pinterest? Sit all the siblings on a set of steps and chalk their class on their step with the year at the bottom.

For a really cool reusable school photo prop, you could create a life sized ruler like Mum Erin did. Find the instructions on creating this on Craftybiggers.com.

What a cute way to capture all the info surrounding back to school? These chalkboard idea from Building Our Story includes great questions like what does your child enjoy and what do they want to be when they grow up. Taking this back to school photo each year will make great memories as you look back on each passing year!

For the book loving child, you could take their first day of school photo with their current favourite book – that would make a nice series to look back over when they finally leave school.

This mum was very creative with her daughter’s first day of school pic, using a set of broken sunglasses to make a fun prop along with a Dr Seuss book.

For something a bit different, how about this idea from The Idea Room to use a black balloon with white marker to write the details for that year.

Rather than trying to rush photos on the actual first day of school, take them the day before! It’s less stressful and your child can have a final try on of their uniform or chosen clothes.

If you do decide to take the photos on the first day of school, give yourself time. It’s nice to have time to try out different poses and let your child be creative too.

Organise your props in advance, write out or create your signs and have them ready.

There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of bribery…

Success in school – and in life – is determined by what we judge success to be. Take time to reflect on what success really means. If a parent gives a child messages about ‘being the best’ and ‘working hard’ they might instil a sense of anxiety.

School isn’t meant to focus on how many top marks or “As” you achieve, or whether you’re best at sport. Rather measure success as how well your child is being prepared for life.

Parenting is not a competition. Support your child to develop the art of kind and pleasant interactions, the skills of taking responsibility, to be curious, creative and courageous to try new endeavours.

If your child goes through a time of feeling anxious give reassurance, but most importantly give your child the space for him to share how he is feeling and what he is experiencing. So often as a parent coach I hear parents say:

“How do I get my child to listen to me?”

I invite you to flip the question on its head and ask yourself:

“How well do I listen to my child?”

When we validate our child’s experience and acknowledge their feelings we calm their anxiety, which helps them to think more clearly about the situation.

It is also important to communicate with the school. Almost all teachers want to help your child to have a happy school experience. Make sure to read any notes sent from the school and keep in contact with the staff, particularly keep open the two-way communication if your child is anxious or battling to settle.

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Help your child to help themselves. Think about practical things your child needs to deal with at school – like knowing where the toilet is and being able to comfortably go by himself or herself.

If your child doesn’t wear a school uniform, make sure that the clothing is suitable for them to manage by themselves.

Similarly, make sure to practice opening lunchbox, drinks, schoolbags, etc so you can be sure your child manages them independently when at school. Knowing how to handle these little tasks will build confidence to cope with the school day.

Be open about arrangements. If you’ve promised to be at school early to meet your child, keep your word. Unless arrangements have to change in the case of an emergency, you need to let your child know who will collect him/her after school. The more certain your child is about arrangements, the easier it will be to settle.

Also be open to how your child is feeling.

If he tells you he’s unhappy, listen to what he’s saying.

If he makes a comments like “stupid teacher”, listen to your child’s experience.

If you say, “We don’t talk about our teachers like that” without first listening to what lies behind that comment, you may encourage your child to go ‘underground’ about their upsets or anxieties. So keep the communication channels open.

It’s also important to keep the communication open between yourself and the school staff. If your child is unhappy or anxious, book an appointment to speak to the teacher, or if necessary the principal.

If your child hears you making comments like “I’m worried about how my child will cope at school”, she’s likely to buy into your anxiety.

When your child is anxious about starting school, let her hear you speaking confidently and optimistically that school will be a positive experience.

Of course, this is not denying the importance of openness, but if your child is going through a tough patch, don’t discuss this with others in front of your child. Don’t let your child hear you say things like:

“My child hates school” or “My child doesn’t like her teacher”.

Your child could come to believe these words if she hears them repeated, so if someone asks you about how your child is settling at school, respond in a way that expresses hope that school will be a positive experience.

The most helpful definition of love I’ve come across are Scott Peck’s words: “Love is extending yourself to cause the other person’s growth”.

One of the most loving things you can do for your child is to give him the competence and the confidence to be able to cope without you being alongside him all the time. Love is giving him the roots to know that he is loved, and love is also supporting him to spread his wings and fly!

So, if you are questioning how to help when your child is anxious about starting school hold S-C-H-O-O-L in mind.

To recap:

• Success – reflect on what this means for your child to thrive
• Communicate – ensure that you are listening to your child’s experience
• Help – help your child to help herself
• Openness – acknowledge your child’s experience and feelings
• Optimism – give your child hope that any upset is temporary and that she’ll soon feel happy at school (whilst also acknowledging that it might not feel like that yet).
• Love – is supporting your child in the way that will build trust and confidence, so that she can move happily into this next in step in her young life.

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Dear Parent,

I understand that you are scared
To wave your child goodbye
And leave him in a teacher’s hands
Don’t worry if you cry!

I’m used to weeping parents
It’s hard to leave I know.
But it’s time to share him (just a bit)
To help him learn and grow.

Let me reassure you
That I’ll give your child my best
I’ll wipe his tears, soothe his fears
And change his dirty vest!

If your darling child is full of cold
I’ll blow his nose all day
Just like you, I’ll care for him
In a special way.

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I’ll treat him like I would my own
I’ll catch him from a fall
And if there is ANY problem
I’ll be sure to tell you all.

It’s true he’ll grow to love us
He’ll talk of school a lot
It doesn’t mean he hates you
And that you should lose the plot!

I’ll tell you a secret..
That when your boy is here
He talks to me as much of you
Of this please have no fear.

You’ll always be his mother
Whilst teachers come and go
To him you are his number one
This I truly know.

Soon you’ll see some changes
In your little girl or boy
They’ll become more independent
And to see this, it’s a joy!

I’ll teach them all I have to give
To share, climb and to write
But to you they safely will return
To tuck them in at night.

With love from a teacher…

From the book ‘A Teacher’s Insight‘ by Leonie Roberts

You have spent all that time carefully weighing up all the school options for your child, ,applying, going to open evenings, and now suddenly it feels like someone has punched you in the stomach when you hear that you didn’t get the school of choice for them.

Take a deep breath first of all. And know you are not alone, this happens to many families. We’ve put together a few suggestions for what you can do next should this happen to you.

First of all, do not panic. If you do, you may panic your child as well. Accept the offer you have received, so your child at least has a place at a school and review your options.

My daughter was on a waiting list for our first school of choice, just in case she wasn’t offered a place we researched other schools too. Luckily we did as she ended up going to a different school which offered her more of the subjects choices she wanted.

In the UK 1 in 5 children could miss out on their school of choice this year. There are no numbers available for Irish families, but knowing others are experiencing the same problem does help, you are not alone.

Remember, it’s worth checking with your child’s friends parents to see what their situation is as they may also have been offered a place at a different school too.

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Next steps are to find out if you can appeal the decision and what is required for appealing. Ask the school to provide you with details on what their appeal process is.

If you are in the UK, it is your legal right to appeal to any of the schools on your original application. There is no need for a solicitor but a number of organisations, including the Good Schools Guide, can provide assistance. Madeformums.com have some useful tips on how to appeal.

If you are in Ireland, under the Section 29 appeals process, a parent can challenge the decision of a school’s board of management to refuse their child a school place to the Department of Education.

They might offer more than you thought initially! In the end your second or third choice may actually work better for your child. Even if you feel it’s not as good a school, you can always enrol your child in extra-curricular activities to supplement the school activities.

You should leave your child on the waiting list of your first choice school. And you can always look at reapplying next year, just because they didn’t get in this year doesn’t mean they won’t get in next year or the year after.

Sometimes places become available during the year too, although your child might not want to move mid year, so keep in touch with the school to find out if places do become available.

If it’s feasible for your family and your situation, and you cannot find a school for your child then you may consider homeschooling until you can get them into a school. There are some good homeschooling resources available online.

Whatever you end up doing, know that your child will be okay because they have you looking out for them and that you are doing everything you can to give them what they need.

Just hang in there, and good luck!