Two further acquisitions for BUPA

Advice for working parents on coping with 'back to school'

 

5 September 2001

 

Daycare Trustand BUPA Children@work havetoday published top tips for coping with changes in childcare, school and workthat many families will face in the next week as the end of the summer breakdraws near.

 

Change is an inevitable part of a child's life. Lifeevents like starting school, the family moving house or a parent changing jobsoften coincide with the beginning of September.

 

Stephen Burke, director of Daycare Trust, said:"Family life is demanding and the new school year inevitably means extrapressure on parents' time. Change can be a very positive experience if managedproperly but many children and their parents find changing childcare and schoolsettings stressful. This series of top tips is designed to help parents withsome of the changes that many of them will be facing. The key is to plan inadvance."

 

Paula Franklin, Assistant Medical Director for BUPAChildren@work added: "There is an increasing number of parents withchildren in today's workforce, and as a working mum myself I know only too wellhow stressful this 'end of summer' time can be for all family members. Feelingsmight include guilt or anxiety around separation after the holidays on the partof the parents, or sadness and abandonment where the children are concerned.Careful planning using these tips can help alleviate some of thisanxiety."

 

For tips on coping with changes in childcare, school andwork, read BUPA's 'All Change'feature.

 

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Notes to Editors

 

Daycare Trust is the national childcare charity. Itpromotes quality affordable childcare for all and advises parents, providersemployers, trade unions and policymakers on childcare issues. Daycare Trustruns a helpline for parents (020 7840 3350), open for calls Monday-Friday,10am-5pm. Parents can also visit www.daycaretrust.org.uk.

 

BUPA Children@work offers a comprehensive range ofchildcare services to organisations employing at least 500 people and designedto be used by any member of staff. These could include providing help withlocating childcare facilities, helpline support, one-to-one services with achildcare co-ordinator, holiday clubs and emergency childcare services ifchildcare ever fails.