The back-to-school transition can stir up a range of emotions for both parents and children. Excitement and anxiety often go hand in hand as new teachers, new classmates and new routines replace the relaxed rhythm of summer schedules. Fortunately, a little preparation can make this transition easier, reduce stress and help everyone embrace the fresh opportunities ahead.
Whether it’s a return to familiar hallways or a first-ever first day, this school year is a chance to begin a new, exciting chapter. Here are some tips from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program.
Talk about school
Start having casual conversations about the new school year. Ask your kids what they’re looking forward to, which friends they’ll be happy to see and what they’re excited to learn.
If your children express fear or worries, encourage them to talk about why they feel that way. Listen, and reassure them that many children feel nervous or anxious about starting school. Let them know those feelings often fade once school begins, but that it’s also OK to ask for help if they don’t. Remind your children that you’re always available to listen and offer support.
Re-establish family rules
Acknowledge that summer was a fun break from the family’s normal routines, and let children know it’s time to ease back into them. Taking small, steady steps helps prevent power struggles and gives children plenty of time to adjust before school starts.
For example, gradually reduce daily screen time so that by the first day of school, following the family’s screen-time rules doesn’t feel like a sudden or drastic change.
Practice morning and evening routines
Talk with your children about the steps involved in getting ready for school—getting up, eating breakfast, brushing teeth and getting dressed.
If they’ve been sleeping in during the summer, begin waking them a little earlier each morning at least a week before school starts. Offer specific praise when they complete parts of their routine on their own, such as, “Nice job getting yourself up and dressed this morning!”
The same approach works for bedtime. Talk about weeknight routines—brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, reading and bedtime hugs. If your children have been staying up late, begin moving bedtime a little earlier each night about a week before school begins.
Keep spending quality time together
Even with preparation, the return to structured school routines can be difficult. Spending quality time together helps children feel safe, secure and loved, making big emotions and challenging transitions a little easier for everyone to manage.
Final thoughts
Even children who love school can have a difficult time transitioning from summertime to schooltime. Taking small steps now to prepare them can help them enjoy what’s left of summer and begin the new school year with a positive attitude and eagerness to learn.
This monthly column provides tips for anyone helping raise children, based on the scientifically proven Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, available to families in Santa Cruz County with children from birth to age 16, including children with special needs. To find a parenting class or practitioner, visit triplep.first5scc.org, call First 5 Santa Cruz County at 831.465.2217, or email tr*****@*******cc.org. Questions or ideas for future columns can also be sent to tr*****@*******cc.org.
