Back to School Guide: Parent Edition
It’s that time of the year again. Labor Day weekend is right around the corner and following that comes the first day of school.
We all know that the first day of school can be difficult for children, but what about parents? It can be just as hard for a parent to be separated from their child for the first time consistently or following a full summer together. This can create a stressful environment for the whole family.
Not to mention the landscape of schooling has changed drastically since the pandemic. Virtual school in elementary, middle, and high schools are common and that can leave parents feeling scrambled. The risk of a child catching COVID-19 can also be a point of anxiety for parents.
There are several ways parents can alleviate their own as well as their child’s anxiety about back to school. Read below.
1. Project Confidence
Your child doesn’t need to know that you’re feeling anxious about the return to school as well, because if you are communicating fear, they will likely feel it as well.
If your child is returning to full-time school for the first time in a couple years, it’s completely normal to feel stressed or nervous about it. But you need to demonstrate confidence and belief in your child as they are likely nervous about the transition as well.
If you notice your child is acting anxious about the return to school, give them time and space to express their feelings. Ask them how they are doing and assure them that their feelings are valid. Remind them that they have the strength and tools to be successful. If your child is on the younger side, consider sending them to school with a coping kit. This could be a couple of their favorite toys, snacks, or other comfort items.
2. Plan Ahead
Summer can be a leisurely time for families and back to school can mean a drastic schedule change for the entire family. Kids can enjoy sleeping in and relaxing during summer break, but school brings back their rigid schedule with school, homework, extracurriculars, and sports. It can be stressful for the child returning to the schedule and parents as well.
You will need to start getting your child to school and their activities and keeping them all on track. We recommend taking the last week or two of summer to ease back into a schedule. Start sending your kids to bed earlier and waking them up earlier. You can select outfits the night before and have breakfast together in the morning. Mimicking a school schedule can ease the burden of this transition on parents and children alike.
Another way to prep for the schedule change is to create a family calendar. This can help you stay organized on pick-up times and activities, especially if you have multiple children.
3. Schedule Play Dates
Getting together with other school mates can be a great way for children to adjust emotionally and academically. Having support in school and remembering they’re not alone in the transition will ease their minds and help them relax. However, it’s also a great way for you to discuss the transition with other parents who are experiencing the same thing.
Just as it’s important for children to have a community in school that supports them, it’s equally important for parents to have community within the school as well. That way, if you’re feeling lost or stressed, you can lean on other parents and get advice from them. Or at the very least, have people to commiserate with.
This list is not exhaustive in tips for parents on going back to school. There are plenty of online resources you can access if you’re feeling anxious. For example, check out this article from the University of Rochester Medical Center.
If you or someone you love is struggling with their children returning to school, please reach out to us. Our team of therapists is here to provide support and guidance. We look forward to connecting with you.
