The new school year means new friends, teachers, clothes, and classrooms. It’s normal for kids (and their parents) to feel anxious about returning to school. Here are some simple ways to ease the transition from vacation- mode to schoolmode.
Whatever their age, many kids are apprehensive about starting school or going back to school. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to ease their minds and help them get ready for a new school year.
Early to bed, early to rise Getting back into a school sleep schedule won’t happen overnight! A few weeks before school starts, get your child into the habit of going to bed earlier. Gentle winding-down activities such as bath time and reading before bed can help your child relax.
Re-establish a routine Establishing a consistent routine is important for kids. Write out the steps in the routine and rehearse them with your child. In the evening, this could include doing homework, playtime, brushing their teeth, having a bath, and reading before bed.
Encourage independence
Children who play an active role in preparing for back to school – such as choosing and organizing school supplies and new clothes – are more likely to get excited about going back to school, which in turn eases their jitters. Is your child old enough for chores like emptying the dishwasher or making lunches? Daily, age-appropriate tasks will help your child gain independence and confidence.
Talk about safety
Review outdoor safety rules – things like looking both ways before crossing the street, taking the same route every day if they are walking, familiarizing themselves with crosswalk rules, and being cautious in talking to strangers.
Establish healthy habits Involve your children in choosing and preparing healthy lunches and snacks. Help them find physical activities they enjoy. Take them shopping for healthy snacks and lunch items , Link opens in a new window. they can pack themselves. Try to stick to regular meal times.
Limit screen time
Back to school is the perfect opportunity to reestablish screen time limits. Why not have the whole family “unplug” in the evenings before bedtime? Choose a spot where everybody can charge their devices overnight. Use an alarm clock instead of a cellphone to wake up in the mornings.
Talk about first-week jitters Reassure your child that being nervous is natural – even for teachers. You can help your child cope with these feelings when you:
• Let them express their fears. Perhaps you can offer stories of your own first-day jitters when you were a child.
• Teach them to breathe deeply and slowly to calm their nerves.
• Discuss the scenarios that worry them. For example, if they’re worried about who to sit with or talk to on the first day, help them plan a strategy and rehearse it so they’ll know what to do.
Celebrate the start of a new school year If you celebrate the first day of school, your kids will see back to school as a transition they can really enjoy. Try a back-to-school party the day before school starts, complete with cake, balloons and educational gifts. And don’t forget to take a picture on the front step in their first day of school outfits. It’s going to be a great year!