Many kids and parents are feeling growing anxiety over getting back to
school -- the morning rush, the homework, the quicker pace of life.
While this doesn’t mean we don’t like school, the advent of the busier
lifestyle, along with the new changes that ‘back to school’ time brings
(new teachers, new classmates, new material) can all lead to increased
stress. Here’s what you can do to relieve back to school stress in your
kids, and in yourself:
Start Early
Let’s face it -- over the summer, most
families take their cues from the sun and stay up later. While it may
be tempting to keep the late-night fun going up until the end, 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. This advice isn’t
just for little kids -- teens and adults need quality sleep
for proper functioning as well, and getting your 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 kindergarten, first
grade, middle school, 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 whatever staff is there getting
ready, and start getting excited about going back.
Stack The Deck
If you have any input in your child’s
class assignment, it’s a good idea to ensure that there’s at least one
friend in the class or classes your child will be attending. If classes
are assigned without your input, talk to other parents and try to find
out who your child will be sharing a class with ahead of time, and let
them know. Knowing who is in their class will give them something else
to look forward to, and remind them of what they enjoy about school. If
your child is entering kindergarten or first grade, it might be a good
idea to have a play date with one of the children who will be in their
class a week before school starts to help them feel more comfortable and
get more excited about seeing their friends again in school.
Get Ready
As most moms will tell you, nothing
alleviates stress like a good shopping trip. While I say that
half-joking, 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 savored.
Along these lines, have fun preparing your child’s study area. It’s
important to be sure that you child has a comfortable, quiet place to study
(even for kindergarteners, most of whom have homework these days), and
preparing that area can be exciting as school approaches. You may also
want to get your routines ready; as you get back onto 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 to
simply talk to your child about what he or she may be feeling. When the
subject of school comes up, let your child tell you what’s exciting
about school as well as what may be a little anxiety-provoking. If your
child expresses some negativity about school, don’t discount
immediately 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, and other important topics. This can help
your child feel more comfortable, and can help you clarify expectations
and troubleshoot. Creating open lines of communication is always
important, and letting your child know that you’ll be available for
support and open discussions can be a crucial part of your relationship,
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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