Preparing kids emotionally for school

After a carefree summer, the school routine can be disorienting. Try assigning your child some chores or reading daily. Introduce them to writing these assignments down in a planner or on a calendar to help them keep track.

If your kids have gotten into the habit of staying up—or getting up–late, now is the time to help them ease back into a more school-friendly sleep schedule. As the countdown to school starts, wake your kids up 10 to 15 minutes earlier than the day before and shift their bedtime by the same amount of time. Serve healthy breakfasts and dinners at school-friendly times. Make sure to include daily exercise—another habit that can help kids adapt to the stress of starting school.

Building a relationship between your child and the teacher—sharing information about each–can reduce separation anxiety on the first day of school, especially for those entering school for the first time or changing schools.

Bullying, a new school, and not knowing anyone in their class are common worries. Talk about what your child could say and do when faced with his or her fears. Practicing coping strategies in a safe environment can help them feel less fearful. For example, your child may want to practice introducing him/herself to a new class. Let your child practice in front of you in order to ease the butterflies that may come on the first day.

For example, introduce them to slow, deep breathing through their belly, or progressive muscle relaxation, having them tighten, then release their hands and arms.

Starting a new extracurricular activity, whether it’s band, theater, soccer, or something else, is exciting, helps kids make new friends, and eases back-to-school school jitters.

After a long summer separated from schoolmates or if they don’t have any friends at all at a new school, arranging get-togethers helps kids reconnect with old pals or meet new ones, lessening some of the anxiety. It’s also a great way for parents to reconnect or meet other parents.