It’s that time of the year again when parents and children are feeling growing anxiety over getting back to school and coping with the morning rush, homework and busy pace of life. Here are some tips to relieve some of the back to school stress:
Start early: 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 mid-August, 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. 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 junior or secondary 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.
Get ready: 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 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 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.
Talk to your child: 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 his or her concerns immediately; 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.
- Make sure your child eats a healthy, balanced breakfast and try to cut out sugars and processed foods.
- Ensure that your child does some exercise daily even if for only 15 – 20 minutes
- Don’t over-schedule your children with extra-curricular activities as this can be stressful for you and them as you rush between activities.
- If your child has special learning needs or social issues, visit the school at the start of the year to speak to the teachers and principal.
- Take time out from each day to talk to your child about their day. Make sure that the communication channels are always open.
by Catherine Milford