Back-to-School Support for Families
Supporting children as they return to school can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help parents, carers, and kinships.
It’s important to create a supportive environment where children feel safe and understood. This can include establishing routines, encouraging open communication, and being patient with their anxieties.
Financial supports are also available to ease the burden of school expenses, such as government grants, school supply programs, and community assistance.
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Additionally, self-care is crucial for those supporting children. Taking time for yourself, seeking support from other parents or carers, and practicing stress-relief techniques can make a big difference. Remember, a well-supported and calm caregiver is better equipped to help children navigate their own challenges.
By utilising these resources and strategies, you can create a positive and nurturing back-to-school experience for everyone involved.
Anxiety and returning to school
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Going back to school can be tough for kids, especially those who feel anxious. They might worry about schoolwork, making friends, and getting used to new routines.
It’s important for parents to understand these feelings and help their children cope.
The “Keeping the Calm” podcast is a great resource, offering tips and advice on handling anxiety in kids.
Plus, the “Anxiety and Children” guide includes helpful information on how culture and neurodiversity can affect anxiety, providing strategies to support all children in feeling more confident and calm at school.
New research being conducting at the Search Institute finds that young people are highly motivated by relationships with parents, teachers, and other adults when five actions occur within the relationship: expressing care, challenging growth, providing support, sharing power, and expanding possibility.
Expressed from the perspective of a young person, those five actions mean the following:
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show me that you like me and want the best for me (express care);
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insist that I try to continuously improve (challenge growth);
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help me complete tasks and achieve goals (provide support);
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hear my voice and let me share in making decisions (share power); and
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expand my horizons and connect me to opportunities (expand possibilities).
Back to School support for parents and caregivers
Anglicare WA offers a variety of supports to help parents and carers as their children return to school. These include:
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Parenting Connection WA: This program provides workshops, individual consultations, and community events on topics such as managing anxiety, building resilience, and enhancing parent-child relationships.
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Parent and Adolescent Counselling: Tailored support for families to navigate the challenges of parenting teenagers.
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Supporting Children After Separation Program:
Assistance for families dealing with the emotional and practical aspects of separation. -
Young Parents Support Program:
Resources and support specifically for young parents to help them manage parenting responsibilities.
These services aim to empower parents and caregivers with the skills and confidence needed to support their children’s wellbeing and development.
If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask!
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Financial supports
Anglicare WA offers several financial supports that can help parents and carers with back-to-school expenses:
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No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS):
This program provides interest-free loans for essential goods and services, which can include school-related expenses. -
Financial Counselling:
Anglicare WA offers financial counselling to help families manage their finances and plan for school costs. -
Emergency Relief:
For families in immediate financial distress, Anglicare WA provides emergency relief, which can help cover urgent expenses.
Additionally, Anglicare WA can guide families to other community resources and programs that offer financial assistance for school-related costs.
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In addition to Anglicare WA, there are several other community resources that can support parents and carers with back-to-school preparations:
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The Smith Family:
Offers financial assistance for school supplies through their Learning for Life program. -
St Vincent de Paul Society:
Provides emergency relief and financial support for families in need. -
Salvation Army:
Offers various programs, including financial assistance and emergency relief for school-related expenses. -
Department of Education:
Financial support to low-income families with children enrolled in secondary schooling to assist with school expenses. As well as financial assistance to families when children are required to board away from home or live in a second home. Details on how to apply for SAS clothing allowance of $300 for the 2025 school year can be applied for here.
These resources can help reduce the financial burden of returning to school and support you to ensure that children have the necessary supplies and support.
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