Back-to-School tips to help your child/teen prepare for returning to school.
Summer is almost over and soon children will return to school. Some children and teens are excited about returning to school, starting a new school year. Others exhibit increased anxiety related to returning to school. All children and teens can respond differently to returning BACK-to-SCHOOL.
The following are Back-to-School tips to help your child prepare for returning to school:
- Help your child establish a routine and sleep schedule at least 3 weeks in advance to help your child transition to the back-to-school schedule. Sleep cycles are off, and mealtimes likely have adjusted since your child has been out of school, so now is the time to reset the routine. Confirm there is enough time for your child to get all the sleep he/she needs. This is also a great opportunity to talk about healthy hygiene habits. At least 1 week in advance, practice going through your morning routine with your child. Children feel less anxious when they have a predictable schedule/routine. Consistency is the key.
- Talk to your child about any excitement, worries, and/or anxiety they have related to returning to school, especially those related to COVID-19. Review the school’s safety precautions with your child. This is especially important if your child participated in virtual learning last year. If you have a young child, make sure he/she knows how to properly wash his/her hands and adhere to all safety precautions and rules.
- Continually check on your child’s mental health. Encourage your child to think positively. Talk to your child about safe ways to express and release their emotions, especially negative emotions. Be on the lookout for any signs of problems, such as trouble sleeping, decrease interest in hobbies, irritability, social withdrawal, frequent headaches and/or stomachaches without a known cause (these are called somatic complaints), decrease motivation and/or energy. Make sure your child knows he/she can come to you for help or to talk if they feel sad, anxious, or angry. Seek counseling services and professional guidance if needed.
- Talk to your child about meeting new people and how to make new friends. Help your child practice how he/she plans to introduce themselves or ask classmates to play with them. Also be sure your child knows appropriate interpersonal boundaries as well as etiquette expected at school.
- Attend open house whenever possible. It is a great opportunity for you and your child to become familiar with the school, teacher, school rules, any changes, etc., so you and your child will know what to expect. Have your child practice walking to class if possible. For older youth/teens, have them practice walking their schedules, so they are familiar with the locations for all their classes.
- Buy supplies at least 3 weeks in advance if possible. This includes school supplies such as pencils and paper, as well as clothes or uniforms and shoes. If your child plans to participate in virtual learning, ensure there is internet access and a working computer. Noise-cancelling headphones may also help your child focus.
Most importantly, make sure your child knows he/she can come to you with any questions, concerns, or problems they may have. By following these tips, recognizing, and controlling your own anxiety as the parent/guardian, and building your child/teen’s self-confidence, your child’s back-to-school experience will be a positive experience.
Written by: Allison Owen, MS, LMFT, RPT and Leah McMillan, DPA, LMFT, EMDR-T, CFRC
(Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists at EnSpire Counseling & Wellness)
Reference:
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/parent-checklist.html for helpful checklists to help plan for your child for returning to school.