One of our favorite scientists once said that time is relative. But didn’t this summer feel really fast? Just as we finally settle into our new rhythm, we’re thrust back into Target, buying backpacks and sticky notes, wondering how our children’s feet grew so much in just two months.
Those of you in it right now know that going back to school can stir up a storm of emotions. Excitement, anxiety, hope, anticipation – these are just a few that come to mind. This is actually the first time in 22 years that my family has not had a back-to-school moment. And while I’m not preparing my child for that first day launch, I’m still filled with that same nervous energy. (If summer moves fast, those 22 years seem to have flown by even faster.)
For many children, returning to school brings with it some big feelings. This is entirely typical when we experience new things. Worries about new friends, homework, teachers, and perhaps a new school can cause children to experience some level of anxiety. Feeling anxious is one of those emotions considered healthy and can motivate us to get things done.
It’s not all bad, even when in the moment it may not feel good.
But what if these big emotions start to become a roadblock? As parents, there are many ways we can help our children manage them effectively. We want to provide opportunities for our children to share their feelings, to help them grow and develop new problem-solving skills and build resiliency. If we stretch our emotional muscles, working through challenging feelings rather than ignoring them, we all come out stronger on the other side.
As a parent, you may also have similar feelings about this transition from summer to back to school. You might be worrying about whether your child and their teacher will be a good fit, if they will reconnect with old friends, make the team, or what to do in an emergency. We worry about our children’s well-being and want to find ways to support them as they venture off for the new academic year.
Here are a few key tips to help you and your child ease into the new school year:
- Acknowledge that worry is completely natural and not something wrong with them.
- Schedule a visit to the school and explore the campus without a crowd to help your child acclimate.
- Talk with them about their fears and anxieties, helping them solve problems and build resiliency.
- Ask them to share the things they are excited about as they enter the new year.
- Ensure that they know who to go to at school when they feel they need support. This may be a peer, teacher, guidance counselor, or coach.
- Talk about their morning and after school routines.
- Share your reunification plan so that they know what to anticipate if the unexpected happens.
- Discuss ways to include self-care and balance – what we do each day to find fun, relaxation, and family connection.
While this transition may be challenging, we can help our children kick off the year with positivity and the confidence to embrace change.
If we find that our children do continue to be challenged by their emotions, it’s important to know that there is help for them at school and through outside resources. No matter what, it’s essential that we continue to provide our children with the language, education, and tools to support their own well-being, those of their peers, and get help when needed. To this end, our Federation has developed comprehensive resources and tools to help support our teens, parents, and educators. Find them now on our Mental Health and Well-Being webpages.
Navigating these first few weeks can be tricky, but we are in this together. Valuing and supporting all members of our community is a top priority for us. And our team is here and ready to assist you at every step of the way.
Wishing you all a wonderful start to the school year!