6 Ways to Help Children Transition Back to School
The month of August represents the end of the summer and the transition back to school or daycare for many children and families. While a fresh start can be exciting, transitions can also be incredibly difficult. Below are six ways to help children cope with the big changes and emotions they may be facing as they start a new school year.
Acknowledge their feelings
It is okay to feel excited and anxious, happy and sad, and anything in between! Acknowledging the way children feel can help them to build self-compassion, better understand their emotions, and can sometimes even help to move past difficult feelings more quickly.
Remind them that they are not alone!
Their friends and classmates are also starting a new school year and some of them are likely experiencing similar feelings. Reminding them that they are not alone in their feelings can further normalize their emotions and lessen any sense of isolation they may feel.
Set expectations
Talk with children about what to expect and answer any questions they have about the upcoming year. This can help reduce some of the anxiety they may be feeling. Are there changes or new policies that they need to know? Where is their bus stop? What do they need to know about drop-off and pick-up? Who is their teacher? Will they know other children in their class?
Make sure they are getting plenty of sleep
Bedtimes are often more relaxed during the summer. Getting enough hours of quality sleep at night helps children (and their parents) to feel more grounded as they start the day.
Stick to a routine
Schedules and routines can provide children a sense of comfort and security. Whenever possible, it can be helpful for children to maintain the same sleep and wake times, as well as the same meal times each day. When children know what to expect, they have the foundation they need from which to learn and grow.
Identify ways to relieve stress - especially when children return home after a long day.
The transition back to school can feel stressful and anxiety-inducing for some children. Many children have an especially difficult time transitioning from school to home, and sometimes need help from their parents and caregivers to decompress. Things that can be helpful for some children include:
Playing outside, listening to relaxing music, or doing sensory activities like coloring or kinetic sand
Avoiding routines like bathing/showering, chores, or homework during the first half-hour after they arrive home
Eating immediately after school
Having focused time with a parent or caregiver. Some parents find it helpful to set a timer for 15-30 minutes of quality time together.
The best thing parents and caregivers can do to support their children in feeling safe and loved as they start a new school year is to provide a calm and reassuring presence. Simply letting them know that you care for them and see the big changes that they are experiencing will help to give them the sense of safety and happiness that they need to thrive this school year.
As always, the Crisis Nursery is here for extra support when parenting feels too overwhelming to bear. Parents and caregivers can reach us any time of the day or night at 314-768-3201.