The summer is slowly coming to an end and autumn is making its entrance. For many people, it can be hard to get started with preschool and school after a long and wonderful summer holiday. But it doesn't have to be! Life coach Kai Ideström gives tips on how to start the autumn term in the best way for both the children and your babysitter.
When it comes to starting school and pre-school after being off work, Kai Ideström explains that you have to think of it as different modes. Like a phone that has been on aeroplane position you have to switch to normal mode; you have to go from 'idle mode' to 'school and pre-school mode'. One way to do this is by finding motivation. But what exactly is motivation?
- Motivation is an inner drive that makes you really want something, for example; you want to be a great basketball player, or be able to play the guitar, or be super good at painting. If you feel that it is something you really want, you will be motivated to do whatever it takes to make it happen," explains Kai Ideström.
But for those who struggle to find their inner drive, there are tips and tricks to make the start of the autumn term easier.
- I think you should take one thing at a time. Absolutely do not think that the term will be long and that going to school and preschool will be boring. The thought that you think the most, will be the one that will spin in your head the most," explains Kai Ideström.
Instead, she points out to focus on the positive and make sure to plan one fun thing per day.
- Try to find something small that makes you happy every day, whatever it is. And think about it and try to look forward to it. Feel in your body how it feels when you think about it. Do you feel happy, excited? Try to think like that every day, if only for a short while. You can also set a reminder on your mobile phone at some point during the day that reminds you to think about the fun, funny thing for a few minutes. And try to remember how it feels in your body. The more senses you involve, the better," she says.
Get motivated - dare to get help from your babysitter, for example
But feeling motivated is also something the parent, the carer, the homework helper and the friend can help with. Kai points out that you can be there for those who are struggling with the autumn term, just by listening and asking questions you can go a long way.
- As a parent,studybuddy, babysitteror friend - the first thing to ask is how they feel about the autumn term. Then the child will hear from themselves, and you too, what they think about their school or preschool experience. When you hear yourself talk about it, the picture usually becomes clearer because it is the child who knows what is fun, funny or motivating, although sometimes they have not been able to put it into words.As a listener, be attentive and support what is positive in what the person says. Ask more about what is good, motivating and also assure the person that you are there as a pillar of support. But try to make the child believe that they are up to the task. Make the child gain more confidence and trust in themselves. And as I wrote before - just take one task at a time, one thing at a time," she says.
