Back-to-School: A Parent’s Guide to Easing the Transition
- Logan Holmes
- Aug 22, 2024
- 5 min read
This one goes out to all of our parent and guardian readers! As our summer days dwindle and the school bell is looming on the horizon, it’s just about time to swap our beach towels for backpacks and our lazy mornings for that sweet sweet serenade of the alarm clock. The information here in this post is to guide you through this bittersweet transitional time by offering some practical tips and strategies to use with your child to make their (and your) return to the school year smoothly.
The Big Transition: From Sandcastles to School Desks
Transitioning back to school can be a whirlwind of emotions for kids. Picture this: your child is a brave little sailor who’s just spent months navigating the high seas of summer freedom, only to dock suddenly at the bustling port of school. It's exciting yet daunting!
Understanding Attachment Behaviors
First and foremost, let's talk about attachment. Dropping your child off at school might feel like trying to peel a sticker off without tearing it. They cling, you pry, and there might be a few tears (possibly yours). This is completely normal and rooted in something called attachment theory. Essentially, kids can exhibit attachment-related behaviors when faced with separation from their primary caregivers. This attachment forms the foundation of their sense of security and well-being. It’s their way of saying, "Don’t leave me in this uncharted territory alone!" Recognizing these behaviors can help you respond with empathy and reassurance, strengthening their confidence over time. Understanding that these behaviors are a natural response can help you remain patient and supportive.
Addressing Anxiety and Worries
Next up, anxiety. Children often feel a surge of anxiety when they have to navigate new classrooms and peer relationships. Imagine starting a new job every single year—new boss, new colleagues, new desk. Yikes! Kids feel this too, but with the added pressure of making friends and fitting in. Signs of anxiety can include stomachaches, headaches, and even the good ol’ refusal-to-get-out-of-bed routine. Anxiety can also manifest as irritability or difficulty concentrating. Understanding these signs can help you address their concerns before they escalate. It's important to create an open line of communication so your child feels comfortable expressing their fears.
Tips for Parents: How to Be the Calm in the Storm
Model Positive Behaviors
You can be your child’s lighthouse in this stormy sea. When you drop them off, try your best to keep your own tears in check (save them for the car) and model calm and positive behavior. Use phrases like, "I know it's new and can feel a bit scary, but you're going to have a great day and learn so many new things!"
Communication is Key
Talk to your child about their worries and validate their feelings. Instead of saying, "There's nothing to be scared of," try, "It's okay to feel nervous. Do you want to talk about what you're worried about?" This acknowledgment can do wonders.
Create a Routine
Routines provide a sense of security. Start adjusting bedtime and morning routines a week before school starts. Practice the school run, talk about what a typical school day looks like, and maybe even pack the backpack together. See if your child has any questions or concerns that you might be able to collaboratively problem solve. Making this a fun activity can ease those jitters.
Staying Calm and Self-Care for Parents and Guardians
As a caregiver, your stress levels can affect your child's. Make sure to take care of your own mental health during this transition. To do this, practice some deep breathing exercises, take short walks, unwind the night with some relaxing music, or engage in a hobby you enjoy to relieve stress. Essentially, a calm parent makes for a calm child.
Resource Corner
For more information on children’s mental health, including handling anxiety and school transitions, check out these resources:
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA): Use the search bar: provides tips and articles on managing anxiety in children.
Autism Speaks: Offers great resources for children on the autism spectrum, including helping the transition back to school.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Offers a wealth of information on anxiety and other mental health conditions in children. Check out this child mental health information blog here
CDC Children’s Mental Health: This Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides information about children’s mental health, symptoms, treatment, data & statistics, child development, and more.
For a deeper dive into these resources including navigating school with a child with a disability, check out the U.S. Department of Education’s information and resources on school accommodations and services:
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act consolidates information about how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.
The Center for Parent Information and Resources lists Parent Training and Information Centers and Community Parent Resource Centers in each state.
What to Expect: Navigating the New School Year
For returning students, expect a blend of familiar and new faces, a slight overhaul of classroom setups, and maybe even a new playground feature (fingers crossed for that long-promised slide upgrade). They’ll likely start with some icebreaker activities to get everyone acquainted and might have some review sessions to brush up on what they learned last year.
For first-time school-goers, there will be a lot of exploration. They'll learn new routines, meet their teacher, and start forming those first friendships. Expect a bit of chaos initially as they adjust to the structure and expectations of school life - adjustment and new routines are skills to be learned. Your teacher(s) will often focus on building a sense of community in the first few weeks, which helps children feel more secure and engaged.
Your child can also expect a mix of academic and extracurricular activities designed to keep them engaged and help them discover new interests. Encourage them to participate in various activities to find what they enjoy most. Open communication with teachers can provide insights into how your child is adjusting and what support they might need.
Back-to-School Shopping Tips
Finally, let’s tackle back-to-school shopping. It doesn't have to break the bank! Look for local community drives offering free or low-cost supplies. Stores like Target and Walmart often have back-to-school sales, and don’t forget thrift shops for gently-used clothes. Your wallet will thank you. Additionally, check out online resources like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for great deals on school supplies and clothes.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the above information is to act as a guide to help you and your child sail smoothly into the new school year. Remember, the start of school is just the beginning of another great adventure - maybe they’re reading Treasure Island this year too. So, pack those bags, we’ll put on our brave face, and put our best foot forward in earning our sea legs to make this school year one to remember!
Thanks for reading! Please contact me below for more.
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References:
Burstein, M., & Ginsburg, G. S. (2010). The effect of parental modeling of anxious behaviors and cognitions in school-aged children: An experimental pilot study. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 48(6), 506–515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2010.02.006
Child and adolescent mental health. (2024, July). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health
Children and mental health: Is this just a stage? (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health
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