Pointers for back to school. Image courtesy of Latina Moms.
While you might be in denial that back-to-school season is almost here, don’t be caught off guard by failing to plan, and no, it is definitely not too early to prepare.
The seasonal transition from summer fun to fall academics can be challenging for everyone, from kids to teachers and parents as well. From separation anxiety to fears about health, worries over new friends and social stresses, and anxiety about homework and grades, kids and families have a lot on their minds as they prepare to return to school.
And in 2022, with health concerns still present and Covid-19 risk still a consideration, parents and kids have a lot to think about.
The pressure on parents to achieve a perfect back-to-school transition can be overwhelming, but remember this: kids do not need or expect perfection. They just want your support.
According to Dr. Alison Escalante, M.D., “what kids need from parents is not perfection. They don’t need us to get it just right…Our kids need us to try. Our kids need us to connect with them, even if we don’t “get it right,” she told Psychology Today.
So how can you best set yourself and your family up for a successful back-to-school transition? Prepare ahead of time. Like, now.
Talk to Your Kids About Their New Routine
Communication is key. Talk to them about their fears, concerns, and what they’re excited about. Listen to them share their thoughts and be open about your expectations as well. Talk about what the school day will look like, what time you’ll need to leave the house, what they’ll need to wear, and what they can expect to learn and experience in the first school days.
Make a List (and Check it Twice)
Write down everything you need to buy and do before school starts. From books to backpacks, lunchboxes to textbooks, uniforms, masks, and everything in between. Having a list will help you stay organized and on top of your to-do tasks and help you and your kids stay on the same page about what to expect.
Reconnect with Peers and Teachers Now
Part of the anxiety over returning to school is the disconnect you feel during the summer. Reconnect now with classmates, friends, teachers, counselors, and coaches. The more contact a child has with those familiar faces (and new faces) before school starts, the less nervous you’ll all feel and the more prepared you will all be.
Start Returning to Normal Schedules
Start slowly returning to normal evening routines and healthy schedules with regular family mealtimes, winding down before bed, reading instead of nonstop screen time, making their beds in the morning, etc. Slowly easing into that back-to-school schedule will make the inevitable transition easier for everyone involved.
Visit School or Schedule a Virtual Tour
If your child is starting at a new school that you haven’t seen because of Covid-19 restrictions, try scheduling a visit before the first day, or at least booking a virtual tour online so that you can all see the campus and know where to go when you first arrive.
Make a Calendar and Share it With Family Members
Create a schedule now that showcases what the daily and weekly school schedule will look like so that your children, caretakers, and all family members know what to expect and can get on the same page about who will be where and when. Go over it as a family.
