Back to school season can be very exciting for kids and their families, but it can also be very stressful. Stressors may include finances, as you may have to make adjustments to your work schedule or budget to pay for school supplies, uniforms, and extracurricular activities. Or trying to manage your own busy schedule along with your child’s can also create significant stress. Lastly, as a parent you may be experiencing your own anxieties like worries about your child being bullied or whether they will fit in. Here are four tips for getting the school year started on the right foot:
1. Get Back into a Routine
During the summer months, kids are often staying up late and sleeping in and it would be extremely difficult to try to get your child back on schedule the night before the first day of school. Gradually move your child’s bedtime closer to the desired time for the school year, along with their wake-up time. Also create routine with any other activities that will remain consistent during the school year such as mealtime. Predictable routines will help to reduce anxiety for your child and increase security.
2. Organize and Prepare
Go through your child’s school calendar and mark any days where there is no school or an early dismissal. Additionally, make note of any events or activities that you may need to attend, or your child needs to be in attendance for. If you have the flexibility in your schedule, take time off in the morning to create a buffer for any issues that may arise those first couple of weeks.
3. Communicate Openly
Create space for your child to communicate their feelings about going back to school. Validate your child’s feelings and help them to understand that it is normal to feel excitement or worry. Regularly check in with your child throughout the school year and stay connected with their teachers.
4. Practice Self-Care
It is easy to neglect your own personal needs when you have a lot on your plate. Remember to prioritize your own mental health. This might be making time for exercise, mindfulness, or just watching a good movie. Prioritizing your needs will allow you to better meet the needs of your child and to model healthy emotional regulation.
