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Starting school can be stressful for some children – whether it’s the first day ever, or heading back to a new class after the holidays. So we’ve asked family and relationship expert Jenni Trent Hughes for some top tips on:

1. how to prepare your child (and yourself!) for the first day at school
2. how to adjust to a new routine after the long summer holidays
3. how to make friends
4. how to cope if your child does hit the bedwetting speed bump

School worries

Jenni says, “For many mothers this is an even bigger milestone than it is for the child. This could be the first time you have been separated from your child. You could be worried about how they will adjust. There are also those eternal parental questions - Will they be ok? Will they like it? Will everyone like them? Here's the thing - an independent, confident child stands a better chance of being a happy child. We all want our children to be happy and secure so we should welcome this milestone as one of the most important for our child to take on their journey down the road of life.”

Getting back into a routine

After a long break, your child will need to adjust to the routine of starting, or going back to school. Jenni recognises that a change of routine can be unsettling, so has the following advice: “One to two weeks before school starts gradually introduce whatever changes in routine that need to be made. Roll them out one by one and there is no need to go into a big explanation about why you are doing it. Half-an-hour earlier each night for bedtime, turning off the television earlier - whatever your changes are, do it gradually and they won't even notice.”

First day of school

The first day of school can be a child’s first experience of ‘stress’. If your child is still wetting the bed you may find it increases during this period, and even children who are normally dry at night may find the new changes trigger a lapse.

Jenni’s advice is to stay relaxed about bedwetting and remember it will pass in time, as your child adjusts to their new routine. “Do not worry, do not panic and most importantly don't stress your child out about it. The calmer we remain, the faster we can all get back on track”, says Jenni.

If your child is struggling to stay dry at night, Jenni recommends using a bedtime pant. “Using a protective pant at night, such as DryNites Pyjama Pants, will give you peace of mind, knowing that your child will stay comfortable through the night and won’t wake up in wet sheets.”

Settling in

One of the best ways to help your child to settle in to their new routine and make friends, is to make new friends yourself! Jenni says, “You will find that a young child who is apprehensive about making new friends in the playground will quite happily go to Saturday morning ‘club’ with Billy and Billy's mummy. For those of us who don't have the luxury of hanging around the school gates in the morning or heading off for a coffee, take it upon yourself to start a Saturday Morning Parent's Club. It might seem like a bit of work in the beginning but it is well worth it years later when you wave them off on holiday with a family you befriended in the playground!”