Autism at Magill School

Starting a New School Year

Welcome back! For many children and parents, the beginning of a new school year can be exciting and scary at the same time. For some children (and adults), learning and adapting to new environments, people, and routines can be very challenging. Due to this, school drop-off times can result in anxiousness and heightened emotions. This can mean ongoing attempts at goodbyes, resulting in a distressed child and a frazzled adult. Hard goodbyes are more common than you may think. What a successful goodbye looks like and when it happens will be different for everyone.

Successful goodbyes start well before the school yard. A successful goodbye begins the night before. A nourished body provides the best grounds for a regulated mind. Eating well, being hydrated and having a good sleep will support them to be ready for learning. Spending quality bonding time in the evening, a positive environment, and a sense of preparedness for the next day can only benefit them.

For some children, drawing it out can build anxiety, and a short goodbye outside the classroom or at the drop-off spot is best. Directing or connecting your child with a friend, their, teacher or an SSO can help.

If your child is struggling to say goodbye, try having a conversation with them to see if they can give you some information about what it is that they are finding tricky. With continued support, understanding and encouragement everyone can achieve a successful goodbye.

This website has some great resources to support parents and students with ideas around a successful goodbye- 

https://nellharris.com/musings/a-good-goodbye

With Kindness,

Lisa Williams

KidsHelpline: 1800 551 800

Beyond Blue:  1300 224 636

Lifeline: 13 11 14