Starting school can be an exciting and anxious time for your little ones. Help them start out on the right foot with these 5 steps to mentally prepare them for back-to-school success!
1. Ease your child’s anxiety by giving them an opportunity to know what to expect.
The fear of the unknown can be difficult on adults, let alone kids. Drive to the school and walk around so they are familiar with the building and the grounds. Walk them to the bus stop and explain what they will expect when the bus comes. Let them know what will happen at the end of the day; will they take the bus home, or will you pick them up? If picking up, let them know where they will expect to see you. It can be hard for children to develop mental images when they don’t know what to expect, help them through this by giving them a clear picture of what their first days will be like. Familiarity breeds comfort.
2. Communicate with teachers.
Introduce yourself with their teacher via email ahead of the first day and in person after school starts. Your child’s teacher should be viewed as your collaborative partner in your child’s learning journey. Be sure to appreciate that your child is not their only student and provide empathy as to how difficult their job is! For older children, ask them what they want their teacher to know about them and let them be a part of the communication. Communicate any challenges your child may be facing – from learning delays, anxiety, homelife challenges, etc. so that your child’s teacher has a broader understanding of what your child’s needs are. Be prepared to offer help and support whenever possible.
3. Develop a routine.
Consistent routines help guide your child through their day. Have a regular routine with consistent bedtimes, wake up times, breakfast, and morning preparation for school. Keep supplies and backpacks organized to make the morning less hectic and more enjoyable. Getting up late and rushing around before school will leave your child with a sense of frustration that can be hard to shake when they arrive at school. Routines should include homework time the evening before, so your child is confident they are prepared for their day. Some kids find it helpful to pick out clothes the night before and have everything they need ready to go by the front door.
4. Plan for down time.
Acknowledge that your child needs some downtime after school and resist the temptation to jump right into homework. Schedule time to go swimming, play outside or take a hike as means to provide separation from school and family. Learning this balance will serve your child well into the future.
5. Communicate with your child.
Ask open-ended questions to engage your child in dialogue regarding their school day. “Did you have fun today?” is a close ended question that produces a yes or no answer. Asking “What did you do that was fun today?” will help them open up and share more details of their day. Make sure you tone is nonjudgmental, and you listen attentively while they share. Your questions will guide the conversation for younger children, it’s O.K. to sprinkle in questions regarding their mental well being, such as “what was the hardest part of your day today?’ Or “what did you do on recess today?” Open communication helps your child build their self esteem and become confident speakers!
As a parent, you may be just as anxious as your child is to start school! We all want the best for our little ones; practice the tips above to ease yourself into the school routine right along with your child.
