While the children might be disappointed, I can think of a few parents who won't be downhearted at the thought of getting back to their usual routine.

For a number of Sheffield children, this September will be a big one for them.

They'll be either starting primary or secondary school, and their lives will change dramatically.

Of course, there will be lots of opportunities and plenty of exciting things happening in their new school, but it's likely that there will be some things they're a bit worried about too.

Fortunately, after a few days in their new school, most of these concerns will have been laid to rest.

Make sure you prepare your child (and yourself!) for this transition.

Big it up
MAKE starting school exciting, and don't dwell on any negatives when you're talking to your child or talking to other people in front of them. Make the most of the new opportunities your child can access at school, and inspire them with mentions of those.

So if your child loves sport and is going to secondary school, mention the sports facilities in their new school, or that they'll get the chance to try something they've always wanted to do.

If they're the musical type and they're going to primary school, chat about the new songs they'll learn, chances to learn a musical instrument, and activities like the Children's Festival that they may be able to take part in.

Adjust your routine
If your child has been lying in bed until 10am every day during the holidays, it's going to be hard for them to get up in time on the first day back.

Plan some activities for the end of the holidays which mean they have to get up at a similar time to term time, so that their body clock starts to adjust.

You could even plan lunchtimes for the same time as when they're at school.

Celebrate
Make a big deal out of the first day and week back.

Arrange some exciting things to do at the end of the holidays, not just to make the most of the holidays but also to associate the anticipation of returning to school with positive experiences and feelings.

Start some family traditions, like a special breakfast on the first day back.

Take photos the night before or on the morning of the new term.

Prepare yourself
It's a big thing, seeing your child going off to school for the first time, or moving up a year.

Don't underestimate the effect it may have on you.

Make sure you know who your contact is in school if you need to discuss your child's needs – the class teacher in primary school or the form tutor in secondary – and introduce yourself as soon as you can.

Put your own mind at rest about the support available to your child.

Plan some time for yourself. You've looked after your kids all summer and brought them up to the stage that they're confident to go to school and start this next stage of their lives – you deserve a reward for that! Arrange to meet friends for lunch, or book yourself a treat.

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