Supporting Your Child’s Transition Back to School: A Guide for Parents
by Ian C. Vereen
As the summer days wind down, the excitement of a new school year begins to build. For children, this transition can be a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or returning to higher grades, it's important to support their social and emotional needs while establishing routines to help them get back on track. Here’s how you can ease this transition and set your child up for success.
Nurturing Social and Emotional Well-Being
The social and emotional aspects of returning to school can be challenging for children, especially after a long break. They may feel anxious about seeing their friends again or worried about new routines. As a parent, you can help them by having open conversations about their feelings. Ask them how they feel about going back to school and listen attentively to their concerns.
One effective way to ease school anxiety is by reintroducing them to the school environment before the first day. Take a drive by the school, visit the playground, and encourage them to reconnect with peers who will be attending the same school. This familiarity can reduce anxiety and build excitement for the new year.
For children starting kindergarten, this transition is particularly significant. Ensure they feel secure by teaching them essential information, such as your first names and phone numbers. This knowledge will empower them and provide an additional layer of safety.
Establishing a Routine and Schedule
Routines are the backbone of a successful school year. As summer comes to an end, gradually reintroduce a school-time schedule. Start by setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times to align with the school day. Consistency in sleep is crucial for your child's overall well-being and academic performance.
Establishing a morning routine can also reduce the chaos that often accompanies school days. Consider creating a checklist that includes getting dressed, having breakfast, brushing teeth, and packing their school bag. This not only makes mornings smoother but also gives children a sense of responsibility and independence.
The Importance of Sleep
Sleep is a critical component of your child's success in school. Children need adequate rest to focus, learn, and manage their emotions. As the school year approaches, begin adjusting their bedtime to ensure they get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group. For most school-aged children, this means 9-11 hours of sleep per night.
To support healthy sleep habits, create a calming bedtime routine. This might include reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing relaxation techniques. Minimizing screen time before bed is also essential, as the blue light emitted from screens can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Reducing Screen Time
Speaking of screens, reducing screen time as the school year approaches is important not only for sleep but also for easing the transition back to school. Over the summer, children may become accustomed to more relaxed screen time rules, but as school begins, it's important to cut back.
Start by gradually reducing screen time in the weeks leading up to school. Encourage outdoor play, creative activities, or reading instead. By doing so, you’ll lessen the fight when it comes time to put away devices during school hours, making the transition smoother for both you and your child.
Supporting Anxious Kids
Back-to-school anxiety is common, especially in younger children or those facing new school environments. As mentioned earlier, familiarizing them with the school setting can help reduce anxiety. Visiting the school, walking around the building, or even playing on the playground can make the environment feel less intimidating.
In addition to visiting the school, reconnecting with peers who will be in the same class or grade can also be beneficial. Organize playdates or meet-ups with other parents and children to help your child re-establish social connections. This will remind them that they’re not alone and have friends to look forward to seeing.
For children who continue to struggle with anxiety, consider practicing relaxation techniques together, such as deep breathing exercises, visualization, or even yoga. Reassure them that it’s normal to feel nervous and that you’re there to support them every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
As you prepare your child for the new school year, remember that your support is key to a successful transition. By addressing their social and emotional needs, establishing a routine, ensuring they get enough sleep, and cutting down on screen time, you’re setting them up for a great start. With a little planning and a lot of encouragement, your child will be ready to tackle the school year with confidence and excitement.
- Ian C. Vereen MA, MT-BC, NMT