Tips to help your child transition back to school successfully
Tips to help your child transition back to school successfully, While each child is unique and reacts to transitions differently, all children thrive when provided with the tools and preparation needed to embark on a brand-new journey.
While approaching the annual back-to-school transition, both parents and children experience mixed emotions, excitement, and anxiety in anticipation of what the new year will bring.
Without further do, here are some strategies to prepare for the upcoming school year.
Return to structure a week or two before school starts:
Gradually create a predictable sleep schedule that resembles your school-year sleep routine.
Reduce the use of electronics and screens, which can be especially challenging as summer camps have typically ceased by this time (but is a necessary step for a smooth transition back to school).
Gradually reduce or eliminate sugary treats and unhealthy snacks consumed on carefree summer days.
Gauge your child’s level of school readiness:
Normalize feelings of anxiety or worry.
Do not try to fix but rather listen and validate (“I hear you; it’s hard to head to class without knowing anyone” or “I know you might cry and miss me when you go to school, but just know I’ll miss you too”).
Create space to talk about feelings and any concerns your child may have.
For younger children, read books to prepare for first school experiences or heading back to school.
Plan playdates to create opportunities for your child to socialize with familiar peers before school starts.
If your child is attending a new school, plan a couple of visits before school starts so he/she can acclimate to these unfamiliar environs.
For older children who have not completed their summer reading or other tasks, create a consistent daily schedule featuring short sessions so your child can catch up on this work.
Involve your child in school preparedness activities (e.g., shopping for school supplies) to get him/her excited about the new school year ahead.
End the summer on a positive note with a fun outing and/or activity.
Work together to create a special goodbye drop-off ritual (e.g., hugs and kisses, written notes, drawings, etc.) to ease any separation anxiety.
Remember parent self-care:
Be mindful of your own feelings and any concerns you have about the onset of the new school year.
Dedicate some personal time to recharge and engage in self-care activities, guilt free!
Remember the best thing you can do for your child (aside from caring for him/her, of course) is to look after yourself.
Look out for any signs of anxiety:
Having difficulty falling asleep or experiencing disrupted sleep
Not eating properly
Complaining of a stomachache or other physical ailments
Becoming easily irritable or experiencing frequent meltdowns
Exhibiting clinginess and/or finding it difficult to separate from you
Struggling with or refusing to go to school Calling from school reporting an illness and requesting to be picked up
Moving Forward, Successfully
It is common for children to show signs of anxiety during a transition period such as the return to school. However, if your child continues to demonstrate anxiety symptoms or they worsen over time, please seek professional help.
Contact Dr. Sanaa to better understand your child’s symptoms and provide your child him/her with the support necessary to overcome anxiety and develop more effective coping skills for the future.