28 Jul Back to School 2022- Tips For A Stress Free Transition

The beginning of a new school year is filled with hopes, possibilities, fears, and challenges. While parents realize the value of education, some may feel anxious, or concerned about potential risks. Back to school does not necessarily mean back to normal.

Back to school time leads to transitions which affect the whole family. There will likely be changes to family and home routines, new teachers, new classrooms, and maybe even a new school. It helps to have guidance not only for unfamiliar circumstances but for the typical challenges students and families face at the beginning of each school year. Summer break can be a great time for your family to relax and spend time together, however some kids (and adults!) can struggle with the return to routine. The next few weeks will be busy as you and your child prepare to take on another school year. Kentucky students, parents and caregivers are preparing to get school supplies together, health forms filled out, after-school care figured out, and setting routines for the new school year. Routines for meals, homework, bedtime, and after school establish expectations and help lessen anxiety.

Establishing back to school routines early could lessen some of the “back to school  jitters” but may not alleviate ALL of them. Imagine students going to a new school; new teachers, hallways, and peers can be overwhelming. Kiddos starting school for the first time may feel scared or anxious being away from their parents and in a new environment with different rules and expectations. Kids entering middle school may be meeting new friends, dealing with puberty, and dealing with the feelings of increased independence as well as navigating new friend groups. Teens entering high school may feel anxious about joining new friend groups, the increased work expectations, and whether or not they’ll fit in. Young adults leaving home for the first time to attend college may feel anxious as they are fully being thrown into adulthood, a new city or state, and completely new experiences. This can be A LOT to deal with, and parents/caregivers can help buffer these stressful situations.

• Talk to your child.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school to create excitement about the first day of class.
• Visit your child’s school campus to help your child learn their way around.
• Ask how your child is feeling about starting school this year and if there is something that they hope to learn.
• Share your back to school experiences with your children. (It may motivate them to share with you.)
• Strategize solutions if your child shares concerns about the new school year.
• Educate yourself about After-School Restraint Collapse.
• Build a parent-teacher relationship with open communication.
• Attend back to school events hosted by your child’s school.
• Check out the school’s website before school starts to access helpful resources and information. (There are usually pictures to familiarize students with the school. It might be fun for students to spot pictures of teachers and classmates.)
• Encourage them to join a club or sports team, but be supportive if they aren’t ready just yet.

If you or someone you know is struggling with back to school transitions, share this blog post with them and save for later. Also, be sure to check out your local community organizations for back to school supply drives for materials and school supplies as well as a way to meet classmates, teachers, and school administrators. Have any tips for parents/caregivers? Drop them below in the comments!

Image 1 (top): Dreamstime

Image 2 (bottom): Pexels