Many kids and parents are feeling growing anxiety over getting back to school, the morning rush, the homework, the quicker pace of life. The advent of the busier lifestyle, along with the new changes that ‘back to school’ time brings (new teachers, new classmates, and new material) can all lead to increased stress.
Start Early:
Let’s face it – over summer, most families take cues from the sun and stay up later. While it may be tempting to keep the late night fun going up until bed time, starting your school routine a few weeks early can help ease the transition back to school. Starting two to three weeks before the advent of school, begin going to bed and getting up close to when you need to for school, and try to eat on a more regular schedule as well. Getting a schedule straight now will help ensure that you all start the school year off more prepared and don’t feel as much anxiety over the advent of that first day.
Do A Walk-Through:
While we’re on the topic of starting early, it’s a good idea to visit the school before the first day. For kids who are going to be first-timers for kindy, first grade or even high school, this can help them feel more comfortable with the new place and get a better idea of where to go once they’re there. Even for returning students, it doesn’t hurt to know where the classroom is, say hello to the staff who might be there, and start getting excited about going back.
Get Ready:
As most parents will tell you, nothing alleviates stress like a good shopping trip. While this can be said half-jokingly, there’s some real truth in the idea that back to school shopping can help kids get more excited about school starting, at least for most kids. If your child really couldn’t care less about shopping, you can make it quick and painless, but for kids who relish the annual decisions of which clothes, backpacks, and other supplies will be theirs this year, the back to school shopping trip is to be savoured. Along these lines, have fun preparing your child’s study area. It’s important to be sure that your child has a comfortable, quiet place to study, and preparing that area can be exciting as school approaches. You may also want to get your routines ready; as you get back into an earlier schedule, have your kids start laying out their clothes the night before, keeping their shoes by the door, and get back into other morning habits that help you get out the door with less hassle. This can help refine your routine, and make the back to school transition easier.
Talk Amongst Yourselves:
One of the best ways to relieve back to school anxiety and prepare for the coming year is simply talk to your child about what he or she may be feeling; even the subject of school may be a little anxiety-provoking. If your child expresses some negativity about school, don’t immediately discount his or her concerns; instead focus on validating feelings. Then you can help find solutions or shift the focus to a more positive one like seeing friends, covering exciting new material, and growing up. This can be an excellent time to discuss important topics like how to handle bullies, peer pressure, etc. Creating open lines of communication is always important, and letting your child know that you’ll be available for support and open for discussion can be a crucial part of your relationship with your child, as well as your child’s success in school.
Bottom Line:
The main thing to remember in dealing with back to school jitters is to be prepared (mentally, logistically, and in all other ways as much as possible), and to play up the fun stuff (friends, new supplies, great teachers, and growing up). If you show your enthusiasm for what the new school year brings, your kids are sure to pick up on it, and the nervous energy will turn into excitement. Have fun!
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