Hello and welcome

Thank you so much for getting in touch with your question.

Starting first year is a big adjustment for young people. They have to cope with a new environment, different teachers, new subjects and an increased workload. It is completely understandable that your son may be struggling since beginning secondary school, and it is clear how much you want to be able to support him. Settling into the new school and year group can take a little while, especially after the summer holidays, combined with trying to get back into a routine with all the additional changes that come with a new school.

Time and patience

Some time is needed to get to grips with all the different subjects, some of which may not have been covered in primary school. You could have conversations with your son about how he is finding school, the different subjects, what he enjoys, and what he is really struggling with. Understanding what it feels like for him and giving him space to share his thoughts and feelings can help. It can be overwhelming with so much new information, and it may take time for him to settle and see where his strengths lie.

Having a consistent space

It may not always be possible in every home to find a quiet spot, but if there is one, try to make that space available for your son at the same time every day. Reducing distractions like phones and TV can give him the best chance of getting his work done efficiently. If there is nowhere suitable at home, perhaps a homework club or local library could provide that space. Having his own place to work can help build a consistent routine.

Support

In your conversations with your son, you could ask if there are extra supports he feels he needs. What does he think would help him? He knows best how he is feeling and how he is managing the extra work. It can take time to build relationships with so many new teachers at once, but once he feels comfortable, he may be able to speak with them if he needs extra guidance.

Being organised

Everyone works differently, so try to understand what way works best for your son. Would it be helpful to write down everything that needs to be done so it is all out on the page? It could then be useful to prioritise what is most urgent, such as homework due the next day, and deal with the tasks in that order.

Some people prefer to start with something they enjoy before tackling the more difficult work, while others prefer to get the hardest task out of the way first. You can explore together what would work best for him. Making a timetable or checklist can also be useful, and tasks can be ticked off as they are completed.

Taking breaks and doing other things

It can be a very long day at school, and it may be difficult to concentrate for long periods once the school day is over. It is really important to take breaks, relax, and have time to enjoy other activities. Balance is key to supporting his wellbeing and motivation.

Further support

The transition to secondary school can take time, but your support and patience will make a big difference for your son.

If you would like to talk some more about this, our Support Line is open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 1:00pm, on 01 522 4300. You can also email [email protected]. We offer free guided digital mental health programmes that support young people and parents in managing low-level anxiety. More information is available here: ISPCC Guided Digital Programmes.

Your son can also contact our Childline service if he would like to talk about anything on his mind. Childline is free to call at 1800 66 66 66, or he can connect through web-chat at www.Childline.ie. Both services are available 24/7.

We wish you and your son all the best with the rest of the school year.

Take care,

Robyn