The start of a new school year can bring a mix of emotions ranging from excitement to anxiety. Going into a new year, both parents and kids can be nervous about all the unknowns. It is important to prepare to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are some tips for supporting your kids with the transition back to school.
Provide Exposure
Take advantage of opportunities such as building tours, story hours, and back-to-school nights to get or stay connected to your child’s school. For younger children, just driving by the school or visiting the playground offers exposure. Increasing exposure tends to lessen anxiety so ongoing exposure is particularly important for anxious children.
Use Literature
Literature is a highly effective tool to script kids through new experiences. About a week before the start of the school year, I set up a back-to-school-themed book wall in our living room. Having school books on display sparks curiosity about school and is a way to have ongoing conversations about the transition. The Kissing Hand is a sweet book to support starting preschool or kindergarten. Some of our other favorites include:
- Our Class is a Family
- The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
- The Crayons Go Back to School
- Time for School, Little Blue Truck
- How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?
- Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes
- What Do You Do With an Idea?
Let Kids Have Input
Be mindful that transitions can make kids feel uneasy. Allowing them to have input even in small decisions such as snack and lunch choices, what to wear, and what to do after school for the first few days can give them some sense of control.
Visualize the Day Going Well
Build on what kids know by using the concept “same but different.” Highlight things that will be the same as last year and talk through what may be different so kids know what to expect. Work with your child to help visualize the day going well. Have them picture a fun teacher, making new friends, eating a delicious lunch, and playing on the playground. Talk with them about what they are looking forward to this school year and what their hopes are. Discuss what they can do to help themselves have a great first day (e.g., be friendly, try their best, keep a positive attitude).
Prepare Ahead
Do some preparation in the days leading up to school so the morning of the first day is more relaxed. Pick out those first-day outfits and pack bags the day before. Have lunch and snacks prepped. Check out these lunch ideas for inspiration. Prepping in advance will also allow extra time for first-day photos.
Start Back-to-School Traditions
Present the start of the new school year as something to be celebrated by creating your own traditions. This could be filling in first-day-of-school boards, planning photo ops, or having a kickoff breakfast. These back-to-school pancakes are fun. Last year my son’s teacher sent “ready confetti” to sprinkle under my son’s pillow the night before kindergarten started. It made such a difference in his anxiety that we are making it an annual tradition.
Schedule Downtime
Anticipate emotional variability as kids settle into the new school year. Remember that home is often the safe space to let out their feelings. Be sure your children have downtime, especially during those first weeks of school when they are adjusting to new routines. As much as possible, minimize scheduled activities to allow time for play and decompressing. When it is still warm after school, I love to swing by the beach and let my kids explore the flats.
Open Communication
If your child has unique needs, initiate communication with their teacher and set up a clear way to check in when needed. Whenever possible, make time to talk with your kids each day, such as over meals or during the bedtime routine. Offer empathetic statements when your children are adjusting to the new school year. Remind them that you are there for support.
Before you know it, things will settle and you will be in your new fall routine. Wishing your kids a great school year!
