The back-to-school smooth transition for parents can be tricky… planning, organizing and making sure your kids are ready for their new school year will pay off.
Here are some key things to help you as you prepare your child for school and help him or her to have a smooth transition.
- Start preparing for the school year early. This means getting kids on a regular sleep schedule at least a few weeks before the school year and starting to ease back into school-time routines.
- Take the kids with you to shop for school supplies and back-to-school clothes as a means to excite them and get them looking forward to the year. When possible, let them chose their colors and styles!
- Talk with your children openly about the impending school year. Ask them how they feel about it and monitor their feelings and reactions. Generally speaking, children who struggle academically or socially will tend to have an increase in stress as the first day of school draws near. Be sure to offer words of encouragement and help to build any necessary skills, academically or socially, over the summer so that the student has a better chance for an easier transition.
- Take note of any behavior that indicates acting out, shutting down, sleep troubles, or increased anxiety that is above and beyond his or her “normal.” Some children may need the additional support of professionals as the school year begins. For those with high levels of anxiety, a classroom visit and meeting the teacher in person in advance of the first day of school can calm anxieties and make that first day a bit easier.
- As parents, you may be having your own levels of anxiety with school starting. How will my child do in school this year? Will her teacher be nice? Will he be bullied? This is perfectly normal and you too can speak with a friend or a professional about managing your concerns when it comes to discussion about the new school year with your child, stay positive and optimistic.
