Summer has a way of flying on by and now schools are officially back in session. Going back to class can conjure up all sorts of thoughts and feelings for our children, let alone ourselves as parents! Excited anticipation or dreaded angst, September signifies a major time of adjustment for children and parents alike. Besides preparing for school with new backpacks and school supplies, there are many social and emotional ways we can support our children during this time of transition.
Help Your Child Develop a Healthy Sleep Routine
Sleep is foundational for good mental health. School-aged kids generally need 9-12 hours of sleep at night so it is worth thinking through how to structure the family evening routine in order to create space for winding down and fostering an environment where they can get their sleep. A consistent bedtime and morning routine can also make the transition back to school feel more predictable and manageable for children. Consider incorporating daytime exercise, limiting evening screen time, and keeping tech out of the bedrooms.
Build A Connection With Your Child’s Teacher
Since your child’s teacher will be the primary adult responsible for your child during the daytime, it can be helpful to bridge a connection to their new teacher. Facilitating an emotional connection between them can send the message to your child that you and the teacher are both part of the nurturing village involved in their growing up process. Being intentional about setting up brief moments to connect in those early September weeks, can facilitate the start of a caring relationship. Making a point of meeting them and having regular communication will help the teacher understand the ins and outs of what makes your child tick and can help set the stage for your child to flourish.
Re-create Family Rituals & Routines
After the less structured days of summer, developing (or reintroducing) some rituals around hellos and goodbyes can also be helpful For example, creating a special handshake, or adding surprise love notes or jokes in their lunch boxes. If your child is anxious, a special item they can take with them can help them feel brave and close to you while apart. These small rituals can help children feel connected to home while they adjust to being apart from their parents or caregivers during the school day. Family dinners can also create a sense of anticipation for your child while they are at school (i.e. Taco Tuesdays). Looking forward to reconnecting with you (their safe haven) after the separation is key to softening the process of being apart.
Help Kids Cope with Back-to-School Anxiety
If your child experiences anxiety, it’s important to remember this is a normal human emotion. We do not need to eliminate or shield them from every little thing that they perceive as stressful. We can help them develop healthy coping skills and gradually build confidence in their ability to manage challenging situations. If anxiety is interfering with their daily functioning and you notice increased distress and avoidance, it can be helpful to schedule a parent consultation to determine if therapy might be a good option for them.
