Helping Girls Return to School ❤️
The summer holidays can feel like they've flown by. One minute you're enjoying slower mornings, days out and a break from the usual school routine, and suddenly it's time to find the school shoes, label the uniform and get ready for another school year.
For some children, returning to school is exciting. They're looking forward to seeing their friends, getting back into a routine and starting something new.
For others, it can bring a mixture of excitement, nerves and uncertainty.
And for girls moving from Year 6 into Year 7, those feelings can be even stronger.
Starting secondary school is a huge milestone. Girls are moving from being some of the oldest children in primary school to being some of the youngest in a much bigger environment.
There are new teachers, new classrooms, new routines, new expectations and most importantly, new social experiences to navigate.
So how can we support girls as they make that transition?
Talk about how she's feeling
One of the simplest things we can do is create space for girls to talk about returning to school.
She might be excited.
She might be nervous.
She might be both at the same time.
She could be worrying about making friends, getting lost, meeting new teachers, keeping up with schoolwork or simply not knowing what to expect.
Rather than saying, “You'll be fine,” try asking:
“What are you most looking forward to?”
and “Is there anything you're feeling nervous about?”
You don't have to fix every worry.
Sometimes being listened to and taken seriously is what a girl needs most.
Remember that confidence doesn't have to come first
We often think that confident children are the ones who aren't nervous.
But that's not really how confidence works.
Confidence often develops because we do something even when we're nervous.
A girl can feel anxious and still walk through the school gates.
She can feel unsure and still ask for help.
She can worry about making friends and still introduce herself to someone.
Being nervous doesn't mean she's not ready.
It means she's doing something new.
Make the practical things familiar
The practical side of secondary school can feel overwhelming.
A new timetable.
Different classrooms.
Multiple teachers.
A bigger school building.
Homework.
Getting to and from school.
Even knowing what to pack in a school bag can suddenly feel like a lot.
Where possible, practise some of these things before school starts.
You could:
Practise the journey to school.
Look at the timetable together.
Organise school equipment.
Work out what needs to go in her bag each day.
Re-establish a bedtime and morning routine.
Make sure she knows who she can go to if she gets lost or needs help.
These might seem like small things, but reducing the number of unknowns can make a big difference.
Friendship worries are real
For many girls, the biggest worry about starting secondary school isn't the schoolwork.
It's friendships.
Some girls will start secondary school with their closest primary school friends. Others may find themselves separated from people they were close to. Friendship groups can change.
And that can be difficult. Remind girls that they don't have to find their “best friend” on the first day. They don't have to immediately fit into a group.
And they certainly shouldn't feel that they need to change who they are to be accepted.
Encourage them to look for people who make them feel comfortable, respected and able to be themselves. A simple conversation can be enough to get started:
“Can I sit with you?”
“What did you get for number three?”
“Are you going to the same club?”
Small interactions can grow into friendships over time.
Talk about social media and group chats
For many girls, starting secondary school also means navigating more online social interaction. Group chats, social media and messaging can make friendship issues feel much bigger because they don't necessarily stop when the school day ends.
Talk to your daughter about being kind online, recognising pressure and knowing what to do if something makes her uncomfortable.
Most importantly, make sure she knows she can come to you if something goes wrong.
Creating an environment where girls feel able to talk — without immediately feeling judged — can make it much easier for them to ask for help when they need it.
Prepare for puberty and periods
For girls starting secondary school, puberty can be another source of uncertainty.
Some girls may already have started their periods while others haven't. Both are completely normal. Talking openly about periods and puberty can help remove some of the embarrassment and uncertainty. It can also be useful to put a small emergency pouch in her school bag with sanitary products and spare underwear. Being prepared can provide reassurance — even if she never needs it. And remind her that everyone's body develops differently. There is no race and there is no “right” timeline.
Don't make the first few weeks all about the academic things
Secondary school can bring increased academic expectations.
There are new subjects, homework, tests and different teachers to get used to.
Of course, education matters.
But during those first few weeks, it can be helpful to focus on adjustment rather than perfection.
Ask:
“How did you find today?”
“What was good?”
“Was anything difficult?”
“Did you know who to ask when you needed help?”
Rather than making every conversation about marks or homework.
Girls need to know that making mistakes doesn't mean they've failed.
It's part of learning.
Here at Serenity For Girls, we've put together a little reminder for every girl starting a new school year. Share this with your daughter ❤️
You don't have to feel confident every day.
You don't have to know exactly where you fit.
You don't have to have everything figured out.
You are allowed to feel nervous.
You are allowed to make mistakes.
You are allowed to ask for help.
And you are allowed to take your time.
You belong.
Whether you're starting Year 7, returning to school after a difficult year or simply feeling a little nervous about what the new school year might bring, remember that you don't have to navigate it alone.
Here's to a new school year and to every girl taking that next step. 💗
Danielle
xx
