Ah, back to school season. It’s a time of collective schedule changes, supplies shopping, and big transitions. It can be overwhelming for parents and students alike, and that’s normal!
To help you through it, we’ve gathered some of our favorite back to school stress management tips for you to keep in your back pocket before, during, and after that first day.
Prepare for schedule changes before the first day
Easing into the more rigid structure of the school year can make the transition feel more manageable.
1-2 weeks before the first day, parents can enforce a regular bedtime and morning routine. You can also try picking out clothes and meals for the next day in the evenings or a dry run of your drop-off plan. Whatever your school year routines look like, practicing them in the last few weeks of summer can be beneficial for both parents and kids.
Spend time with school friends
If your child is feeling anxious about going back to the classroom, seeing a familiar face in the days leading up to the first day can help them adjust. Spend time at the pool, have dinner with friends, or plan a quick playdate with a classmate. This time can help remind students they’re not facing school alone.
Lean on your support systems
School year success depends on collective effort from parents, teachers, students, friends and other caregivers. Don’t hesitate to lean on your community and be a support to others when you can.
What does this look like in practice?
- Carpooling to school or taking bus stop shifts with other families who live nearby
- Writing a quick thank you note for your child’s teacher
- Asking other adults in your child’s life to assist with drop-off or pick up
- Bringing kids into household management tasks, like meal planning or everyday chores
Talk it out
Acknowledging back to school anxieties is okay. Most kids are a little nervous! Encouraging them while being realistic can be a tough thing to balance.
Asking kids to voice their anxieties can help you manage your response and help you know if there is a deeper issue. Talking about it usually helps calm nerves, too.
If your child is anxious for the new school year, you can remind them:
- They are not alone. Lots of kids are in the same situation, and you will all face it together!
- Adults get nervous too! You can share a time you were nervous, maybe before the first day at a new job or before doing something that scared you.
- They are brave, and they can do hard things. Encourage them to think about how they will feel accomplished once they finish their first day back at school.
If you do suspect something more serious may be going on, reach out to your child’s doctor. Prolonged anxiety can show up differently in children than in adults. Some common signs include:
- Changes in eating habits
- Problems sleeping
- Excessive clinginess
- Frequent tantrums
- Increased irritability
- Social isolation
- Headaches
While back to school season can be stressful, it’s also a time when families can reflect and reset. You can do this! And always remember, you are not in this alone!
Read more about managing stress year-round in the Self-Care Toolbox.