Be Mindful of Changes: Understand that shifts in mood or behavior might be linked to the upcoming transition from school to the holidays.
Open Communication: Have a conversation about the changes ahead, including any special events at the end of term and adjustments to the daily routine during the holidays.
Plan Together:Collaborate on creating a visual schedule for the last weeks of school, holidays, and the start of the new term. Involve them in planning activities and events.
Empower Them:Allow the teenager to take an active role in planning and scheduling. Empowering them with some control over their holiday plans can alleviate anxiety.
Stick to Some Routine: While flexibility is important, maintaining certain routines can provide a sense of stability and predictability.
Discuss Transitions: Talk about the transition from school to holidays, addressing any concerns they may have and setting realistic expectations.
Prioritise Rest: Emphasize the importance of getting enough sleep, as fatigue can amplify feelings of anxiety.
Practice Relaxation Techniques: Introduce relaxation methods like deep breathing or mindfulness to help them manage stress and anxiety during the holiday period.
Offer Reassurance:Remind them that feeling a bit anxious about changes is normal, and assure them of your support throughout the transition.
Seek Professional Guidance: If the teenager's anxiety is intense or persistent, consider consulting with a mental health professional for additional support and strategies.
Early warning signs: Kindergarten through fourth grade
Slow to learn the connection between letters and sounds
Confuses basic words (run,eat,want)
Makes consistent reading and spelling errors including letter reversals (b/d), inversions (m/w), transpositions (felt/left), and substitutions (house/home)
Transposes number sequences and confuses arithmetic signs (+, -, x, /, =)
Slow recall of facts
Slow to learn new skills, relies heavily on memorization
Impulsiveness, lack of planning
Unstable pencil grip
Trouble learning about time
Poor coordination, unaware of physical surroundings, prone to accidents
