The shift from summer vacation to going back to school with a routine can be tough for children and their families. The transition can expose a mix of emotions. While some children might feel excited about going back, others may experience anxiety, sadness or uncertainty. Below are a few tips on how to manage some difficulties:
Talk about the new routine. Come together as a family and discuss what the school routine will look like for everyone. Having conversations about the new or returning routine reminds children what the day will look like and what is expected of everyone. This can provide a safe space for your child to talk about any anxieties or concerns about the upcoming school year.
Plan ahead. Planning ahead prevents the last minute jitters. For example, the night before the first day of school, set out the school uniform, put their backpack by the front door or make lunch. Another idea is to print out the school uniform expectations for the week so everyone knows which part of the uniform to wear for that day. If your child has an co-curricular activity, discuss what time they will be picked up or catch the bus as that is different from the everyday routine.
Instill confidence. When children feel confident, they are more likely to have academic and personal success. As they mature and develop, they are more inclined to act independently, learn to effectively problem solve, resist peer pressure and act directly from their fundamental core values. One example of instilling confidence is giving direct feedback on what you are proud of. Rather than saying “good job on making a new friend”, you could say “I imagine that it was really hard for you to take that big step and introduce yourself to your classmate. That was very brave of you.”
Seek support when needed. Change takes time. If your child is having a difficult time adjusting, it might be helpful to consider additional support for your child. If you have concerns, please reach out to your child’s teacher. For grades 6-12 additional support or if you are curious to learn more about my role at Aspengrove , you can reach out to me twolton@aspengroveschool.com.