With back-to-school season around the corner, parents may be thinking about how to support their children’s transition from the summer mindset to the learning mindset. Some children may be eager to return to school and look forward to seeing friends again, but others may express anxiety or stress due to how many new things are happening at once. Here are several tips for supporting your child’s transition back to school.

Prioritize Starting The School Year Routines In Advance

New things feel a little less intimidating when we have an idea of what to expect. In the week or two leading up to the first day of school, help your kids return to their school year bedtime schedule and establish a consistent morning routine to streamline busy weekday mornings. If your child is feeling anxious about separating from parents, include a final step that allows them to say goodbye and gives a sense of closure as they leave, such as giving a hug or doing a secret handshake.

Create A Visual Schedule For Structure & Less Stressful Mornings

A helpful strategy for structuring the morning routine is setting up a visual schedule. Hang it up in your child’s room or in a high-traffic area, like the kitchen. This schedule can include a checklist of things to bring (backpack, homework, pencil case). Your child can even help and make it their own by drawing pictures or modeling for photos to use on the schedule!

Clear Communication For Morning Routines Will Be Key

Mornings can be chaotic, so clear communication can be key to giving your child a sense of order and structure. Break directions down into first/then statements, rather than providing multiple steps at once (“First put on your shoes, then put on your jacket.”). Also, phrasing directions as questions (“Ethan, can you pack your lunchbox?”) can be confusing and invite ‘no’ as an answer! Make sure you communicate directions clearly and directly, which will reduce confusion and help kids know exactly what to expect (“Ethan, please pack your lunchbox in your bag.”).

Why Reminders Matter When You Child’s Adjusting To A New Routine

Depending on how they spent the summer, your child might be out of practice when it comes to following a consistent routine. Ensure you are supporting them with extra reminders during the first month of school to help them build their morning habits.

How To Support Your Child’s Anxiety

Support your child’s anxiety by modeling your own calm and confidence in their ability to transition successfully. Remember, your child is watching your reactions. If they are distressed about starting school again or separating from you, reassure them and express confidence in their independence. Challenge their worries by reminding them of their previous successful years, or by reminding them of their strengths (remind them of how brave, hardworking, or resilient they are!).

How To Help Your Child With Anxiety About School

Even if your child is an experienced school-attender, change can be scary. They don’t know yet if they’ll have a great teacher or will sit next to friends in class. Validating their anxiety will help them feel understood and not alone in their feelings. Moreover, expressing your belief in them will help bolster their belief in themselves (“I see you’re feeling anxious about leaving for school, and I believe you can do it.”).

Transition times usually invite some level of stress, no matter how well-practiced we are in getting through them. The first few weeks of school will be a time when parents may need to provide extra support until their children reorient to the routines of school. Providing the scaffolding they need will help them face the new school year feeling refreshed, confident, and ready to learn.

We offer psychoeducational evaluations, psychological testing, adult ADHD testing, autism assessments, independent school entrance testing, developmental assessments, and neuroaffirming evaluations. Contact Sarah Smathers at sarah@georgetownpsychology.com or (301) 652-5550 to schedule an appointment or for more information.