8 essential back to school tips for highly sensitive children

A smooth start to the new school year

When a new school year is approaching, this can bring both excitement as well as stress for many children. However, for parents of highly sensitive children or children with autism, this transition can be particularly challenging. The changes in daily routine, the stimuli-rich school environment and new and unfamiliar impressions during a school day can be overwhelming, leading to overstimulation and anxiety. 

How can you ensure that this transition goes smoothly? 
Here are 8 proven tips to help you to a smooth start at school.

1. Visit the new classroom: Help your sensitive child get familiar with the environment

For highly sensitive children, a new environment can quickly cause anxiety. By visiting the new classroom with your child beforehand, the space becomes familiar. This way, your child knows what to expect, which helps them feel calmer. If a classroom visit is not possible, ask the teacher to send images and a short video.

Challenge: Unfamiliarity with the new classroom can cause stress.
Solution: A visit beforehand makes the environment familiar and safe.

2. The spot: a safe place on the playground

The playground can be chaotic, especially during the first days of school. Knowing where your child should stand when the bell rings can prevent a stressful moment. Ask the teacher to designate the spot for your child so they can go there directly. Or ask the teacher to send the information in advance, and review it with your child.

Challenge: Uncertainty on the playground can lead to anxiety.
Solution: A designated spot provides comfort and calm.

3. Ask what makes your child nervous and find solutions together

Talking with your child about what makes them nervous about school can provide surprising insights. Sometimes it's the smallest things that cause significant worries. By finding solutions together, your child will feel understood and supported.

Challenge: Stress and uncertainty about the school day.
Solution: Talking and finding solutions together eases the worries.

4. Create a guide for the teachers: to help them better understand your child

One of the most valuable school tips is creating a "guide" about your child for the new teacher(s). This document includes essential information about your child, which helps the teacher get to know your child better and more quickly. This not only builds trust with your child but also allows the teacher to better respond to your child's unique needs.

Challenge: Teachers don't immediately know your child's unique needs.
Solution: A personal guide helps the teacher understand your child better.

Curious about the guide we made for you to fill out with your child for the teacher? 
Download our free guide HERE.

5. Pack the school bag the evening before: a stress-free morning

The morning before a school day can be hectic. Ensure that the school bag is ready the evening before. This prevents unnecessary stress and ensures a calm start of the day.

Challenge: Morning stress due to a chaotic start.
Solution: Preparing the evening before ensures a calm morning.

6. Choose comfortable clothing: avoid extra stimulation for your sensitive child

Clothing can be a significant source of discomfort for (highly) sensitive children and can quickly fill their sensory "bucket." Therefore, choose comfortable, sensory-friendly clothing that does not cause extra stress or frustration. At Blusss, you'll find super comfortable clothing, itch-free seamless socks, and ultra-soft underwear specifically designed for sensitive children, with super soft fabrics, a seamless feel and no irritating labels.

Challenge: Uncomfortable clothing can lead to overstimulation.
Solution: Sensory-friendly clothing ensures comfort throughout the day.

7. Tools in the classroom: support sensory regulation

More and more classrooms now have tools like headphones and weighted products available that your child can use when needed. Ask the teacher if it's okay to bring your own headphones if they aren't already provided. Additionally, fidget tools can help improve concentration and reduce nervousness and stress. Regulating sensory input throughout the day will help prevent your child from "exploding" when they get home.

Challenge: Difficulty concentrating and sitting still. Feeling nervous and stressed.
Solution: Tools like headphones, fidgets, and weighted products help regulate.

Blusss offers stylish, subtle solutions that are not distracting in class. Fee free to go and check out our Blusss Solutions.

8. Relaxation after school: prevent ‘explosions’ after a stimulus-packed school day.

 A school day is often an exciting and stressful day for sensitive children. After such a day their stimuli-bucket is often well filled and they need time to relax and process the stimuli. Ensure a calm environment, put the day on pause and take a moment to unwind.

This helps release the built-up stress and tension. A stress ball and a weighted product e.g. our weighted collar are then ideal solutions to help release the built-up tension. That way, you'll prevent the bucket from overflowing and head into the evening calm and relaxed.

Challenge: Overstimulation after a long school day.
Solution: Rest and relaxation after school ensure recovery.

Discover Blusss: the solution for sensory-sensitive children

Blusss offers the perfect solution for sensory-sensitive children, teens, and adults. What started as a search for comfortable and stylish clothing for a highly sensitive son has grown into a wide range of clothing that is both beautiful and super soft, without any noticeable seams or labels.

Our products are ideal for children who are sensitive to stimuli, such as highly sensitive children, children with autism and children with ADHD.

We developed seamless socks, ultra-comfortable underwear, and sensory-friendly clothing that perfectly meets your child's needs. Additionally, we have a lovely range of stylish and subtle sensory fidgets and weighted items to support regulation and prevent overstimulation and meltdowns.

We invite you to discover how Blusss can make a difference for your child.
Visit the Blusss Website.

We hope our tips will help you and your child to better manage the sometimes very stressful school days.