Tips to Ease Back-to-School Stress
It's hard to believe, but there are only a few weeks left of summer and a new school year is on the horizon. How are your kids feeling about the upcoming school year? This transition can bring feelings of excitement for many children, a fresh start with endless possibilities. For some though, this excitement is stifled by feelings of anxiety and concern. Whether your child is entering school for the first time or starting a new school, this anxiety is normal; especially after a long summer break. Here are some tips to help ease your child's back-to-school stress.
Organize your home for back-to-school. Have your children help set up a designated place for them to study. Create a family schedule/calendar and post it where it can be seen by everyone; include everything from appointments and after school activities, to school events and breaks so there are no surprises.
Help your child feel more comfortable with their school environment. Fear of the unknown is a huge anxiety producer.Talk about how they will get to and from school, maybe even make the drive or walk a couple of times so they know how long it will take to get there. Arrange a formal visit to the school, and if possible, a meeting with the teacher. Help them make a list of questions they would like to have answered.
Arming them with the following information can alleviate a lot of their anxiety.
What is my teacher's name and where is my classroom?
What time do I go to lunch? Do we eat in our classroom or a cafeteria? Where is the cafeteria? How does the hot lunch process work?
When do we get to have recess, and where is the playground?
How do I get to the gym/library/music room?
What do I do if I don't feel well or get hurt at school?
Where are the bathrooms?
How will I know which bus to get on to go home?
Highlight the things that make school great. List the positive aspects of starting back to school like shopping for fun, new supplies, and clothes. Talk about the friends they made the year before and the possibility of making new friends. Remind them of the fun they can have with field trips, after school clubs and activities, and creative school projects.
Remind them they are not the only student who may be nervous. Arrange for a play date with a school friend or even a phone conversation. Maybe sharing their concerns or asking their friends how they are feeling about school will help.
Try to be home more during back-to-school time. Limit activities during the week leading up to and after school starts. Discuss strategies for a smooth transition and implement routines such as picking out clothes and making lunches the night before, getting to bed at a reasonable time every night, and planning healthy meals as a family. Have conversations with them about the positives and negatives of their day and help them talk through their anxieties.
Keep an eye on their anxiety level. If your child's anxiety does not lessen within a couple of weeks, arrange a meeting with their teacher to see if something else may be going on. Seek outside assistance, if possible, it's important to make sure your child's relationship with their education is a positive one!
Source:
https://www.verywellfamily.com/tips-to-ease-back-to-school-anxiety-620832
Dr. Melodee Loshbaugh
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