The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Be prudent and make money go further
IF you’ve already put kids through school then you won’t need me to tell you it can be a costly business. Preparing kids for school can bring the same added costs and pressures as Christmas which is why you need to be one step ahead come autumn. First off, it’s not too late to start putting money aside to help meet the cost of school. Items like stationary and school bags can be bought now and will be one less worry. Here’s a few tips to consider:
Generic school wear: while you may have to purchase certain parts of the school uniform like jumpers, crests and tracksuits from a specific store, be sure to shop around for other items. Cheaper things like shirts, trousers and skirts can all be bought cheaper if you shop around, but remember it’s a long school year so you’ ll need items that are of quality and durability also.
A size for tomorrow: many people abide by this rule and insist on plenty of room in a school uniform. It can make your purchase more cost effective as kids grow fast. Look for seams and be sure there’s plenty of hem that can be let down when necessary. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, even better. If not, anyone with a sewing machine can extend the lifespan of a uniform no end.
INCREASE IN BACK-TOSCHOOL CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ALLOWANCE
Applications opened on the June 1 and will stay open until 30 September. The allowance paid for each child aged 4-11 on or before 30 September 2017 is €125. The allowance paid for each child aged 12-22 on or before 30 September 2017 is €250. Children aged between 18 and 22 years must be in fulltime second-level education in a recognised school or college. Contact the department at BSCFA@welfare.ie or contact your local Social Protection Office for advice.
Be book smart: They’re not always easy to track down, but sourcing second-hand books is well worth the effort if you’re looking to reduce costs. The cost of school books has been a contentious issue in recent years and with good reason given the costs involved. If purchasing at a school book shop, always ask when submitting your book list if second hand books are available. But be sure to check that you are buying the version of the book specified by the school. Second-hand books are well worth the effort and you’ll save money too. You can also ask parents of kids who have moved up a year to part with books, but again be sure they are valid for the course in question as books, even from year to year, can have subtle variations to suit the curriculum.
INSPIRE KIDS TO SET GOALS AHEAD OF THE NEW SCHOOL TERM
Encouraging kids to set new targets and goals in life, particularly during a transition phase between primary and secondary school, can really help to reduce stress. Such goals don’t require any deep or life affirming action, but rather short-term, week-to-week, goals that give children a better means of focus outside of the classroom – something to make them crave free time.
Returning to school is often fraught with tension which is why taking up new hobbies or setting achievable goals is vital. Encourage kids to learn a musical instrument, take dance and drama classes, or learn to swim. The choices are endless but by organising a personal goal, one that runs parallel with returning to school, it will help focus a child and help improve self-esteem at a critical juncture in life. So, think about what it is your child would like to pursue and use it as a way of making anxiety a secondary issue. School is stressful enough so help turn it into a positive.
STARTING SECONDARY SCHOOL CAN BE AN ANXIOUS TIME
Secondary school can be an anxious time for young students as they leave the familiar surrounds of national school. Starting secondary school brings younger kids into contact with older students and unfamiliar teachers, all of which can affect kids in different ways. But while it’s all part of the everyday aspect of getting on in life, there are some simple ways to avoid and alleviate the onset of school related anxiety for children.
Stay active: By keeping kids active and encouraging them to regularly take exercise is another great way of reducing the onset of that ‘early school days’ stress. You will help them to produce a more natural tiredness which helps to de-stress and absorb any anxiety encountered during the school day. Exercising will also help your child to fall into a more natural sleep at night and this is important as it prevents them from lying awake and overthinking the day’s happenings at school.
Get involved in sports: This is a great piece of advice. Sport is not for everyone, but it’s less the type of sport that’s important then the interaction it creates. School sports helps kids to develop their interaction and co-operative skills, while learning to win and lose together is a process that will ensure lifelong friends and help your child overcome the distractions that come with starting a new school.