Restart your family’s school routine: A week or two before school starts, parents should try and get their children back into the school routine. This may mean having them go to bed at a regular time and waking up early as they would do for school. Organizing backpacks, binders, lunchboxes, and even cafeteria money will also help with the transition into the school routine and will help make the first morning go smoothly.
Get to know your neighbors: If your family is new to the neighborhood and your child will be starting at a new school, make an effort to get to know the other neighborhood children. Schedule play dates, or, for older children, find out where the neighborhood kids might go to safely hang out, like the community pool, recreation center, or park.
Talk to your child: Ask children about their fears or worries about going back to school. Help by talking to them about the uncertainty of what this new school year may bring and ways that you can be flexible with possible changes. Ask what they liked about their previous school or grade and see how those positives can be incorporated into their new experience. If your child expresses uncertainty about the new school year, arrange to walk through the building or ask school personnel to show your child where their locker or classrooms are to help ease anxiety of the unknown. After school starts, take time to listen to your children and discuss their day at school and any issues they may have.
Empathize with your children: Change can be difficult, but also exciting. Let your children know that you are aware of what they’re going through and that you will be there to help them with the process. Explain that while nerves are normal, not everything that is different is necessarily bad. It is important to encourage children to face their fears instead of falling into the trap of encouraging avoidance. Celebrate when they do something brave that made them nervous.
Get involved and ask for help: Parents and caregivers with knowledge of the school and the community will be better equipped to understand their child’s surroundings and the transition they are undergoing. To foster support, meet members of the community, school, or even join your school’s PTA. If you feel that the stress of the school year is too much to handle, seek expert advice from a licensed psychologist who can help your family better manage and cope.
