It’s back to school time!
Some children are excited and ready to return to school, but for some children this is an anxious time of the year. There are many unknowns for them: who will be in their classes, who will be their teacher and what are they going to be like, or they may even be starting at a new school. This can be an anxious time even for children who do not normally struggle with anxiety.
Here are 4 tips to help your child transition back to school:
- Normalize their feelings: It is normal to experience anxiety when doing something for the first time. Let your child know that their feelings are ok to feel.
- Get back into their school routine at least 1-2 weeks before the first day of school. Practice going to bed on time, getting up on time, eating breakfast and lunch, and staying active and off devices. Practice drop off/carpool/waiting for the bus if you can as well. The predictability of this routine will help your child have a sense of stability.
- Most schools have a “Meet the Teacher” night sometime before the first day of school. Make every effort to attend this. Allow your child to explore their classroom and hallway. While in the school, familiarize your child with how to get to their classroom, where the cafeteria is, and spend time on the playground if you can. If your child is going to have a locker for the first time, consider purchasing a lock of your own and having them practice how to unlock it prior to school starting.
- Practice and model relaxation and positive self talk. Remind your child of successes that they have had in the past when they tried something new. Speak life into them about school: You can do this! You got this! And if they do not already know a few relaxation exercises, teach them deep breathing or muscle relaxation to ease any physical symptoms of anxiety.
Some anxiety about returning to school is normal. However, your child may be having anxiety that is significantly interfering with their ability to go to school or complete work in school. If you would like to work together to help them decrease and manage this anxiety, please click here and complete the new client form.