Author Archives: Andy Bryce

Back to School Tip #6: Take a Moment

We all need some time out

Your Child: Reflect on what you have noticed helps or may help your child to cope with new or difficult situations or emotions such as listening to music, jumping on the trampoline, etc. It might be helpful to practice new coping strategies together and plan for how these can be used when things are tricky.

You: Being a parent can be really tough, doing things to look after our own wellbeing helps to manage stress, boost our confidence and makes us more able to cope with the ups and downs. Try to prioritise doing something that improves your wellbeing – it might help to set aside some time each day. You could- chat with a friend, go for a walk, read a book, go fishing, etc.

: If appropriate share with your child a way you have managed a difficult situation.

For more information about going Back to School and supporting your own and your child’s wellbeing visit:

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/backtoschool

#buildingresilience #BackToSchoolEdin

Other resources can be found on:

• Building Resilience – Back to School Tips
• Children and Young People at Edinburgh Libraries or
• Homelink Family Support
• Growing Confidence Twitter page.

Back to School Tip #5: Challenge Your Mindset

Remember we can cope – we just did

Your Child: It can be unsettling not knowing what may happen. Help your child focus on all the things they do know, such as how to get to school, what they will wear, seeing a friend. Introduce new information gradually as it becomes available.

Everyone is a unique individual, discuss with your child the little things that they can do or have already achieved. Remind them of these skills and successes when embarking on a new challenge.

You: It is normal that many children and parents will be feeling anxious, try to focus on how you will manage rather than what might go wrong. Show confidence, even if you are feeling a bit wobbly, it helps that your child sees that you have a plan to carry out together.

For more information about going Back to School and supporting your own and your child’s wellbeing visit

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/backtoschool

#buildingresilience #BackToSchoolEdin

Other resources can be found on:

• Building Resilience – Back to School Tips
• Children and Young People at Edinburgh Libraries or
• Homelink Family Support
• Growing Confidence Twitter page .

Back to School Tip #4: Look on the Bright Side

Find positive moments, however small, each day

Our brains are wired to notice threats, sometimes that stops us seeing the good stuff. That can mean we have to really try to be positive.

Your child: Help your child identify the positive things about lockdown easing or returning to school. Who might they be looking forward to seeing or what might they be looking forward to doing?

You: Consider the positives for you of lockdown easing and children returning to school.

Together: It can be helpful to make time each day to think of one or two positive things. It may be nice to write these down in diary or post them in a jar, share them with your child and listen to their ideas. You could have a phrase like “Today I loved…. playing football with you”

For more information about going Back to School and supporting your own and your child’s wellbeing visit

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/backtoschool

#buildingresilience #BackToSchoolEdin

We all want to help children and young people make as smooth a transition as possible back into school and to feel safe and happy there.

Other resources can be found on:

• Building Resilience – Back to School Tips
• Children and Young People at Edinburgh Libraries or
• Homelink Family Support
• Growing Confidence Twitter page .