Back to School and Back to Routine: Tips for Preparing Your Family

It’s hard to believe September is just around the corner and these lazy days of summer will soon give way to fall routines.  

For children and parents alike, this time of year tends to be filled with mixed emotions as excitement blends with nervousness in the lead up to a new school year. These feelings are common and completely normal, especially in the case of new or first-time students.

If your child is feeling a tad anxious ahead of the new school year, below are some tips that may help ease their anxiety and calm your nerves too.
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• Attitude is Everything: Projecting optimism and calm will show your child that everything will be ok. Remind them of the many positives of going back to school (i.e. learning new things, meeting new people) and show confidence in their ability to succeed. 

 

• Acknowledge their Feelings: As I mentioned above, it is very common for children to feel nervous as September approaches. Normalize nervousness by sharing your own back-to-school experience and how you overcame feelings of worry to have a successful year.

 

• Foster Outside Interests: In addition to academic anxieties, a new schoolyear may trigger nerves around friendship or socialization. Getting your child involved in extracurricular activities that align with their interests can help them meet friends outside the classroom and give them a healthy outlet for self-expression.

 

• Involve Them: Include your kids in the back-to-school process by letting them pick out their gear (i.e. knapsack, gym shoes, lunch bag). Consider working together on a family calendar that charts out their extracurricular activities and upcoming holidays: let them decorate it for fun!

• Keep Communication Open: This strategy applies to your children but also to the teachers and support staff in the school. You know your child better than anyone so be sure to communicate any areas of concern ahead of time and stay connected with educators throughout the year. 

Switching from summer mode to school mode is always an adjustment, but with the right outlook and approach, it can go smoothly. Consider the above strategies for making the next few weeks a positive transition for the whole family. 
 




 
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