Back to school time can be so exciting! But it also comes with many changes: change in routine, change in season, and change in environment. All of this change can be challenging for kids. So we asked the experts at Pediatric Partners what tips they have for a smooth back to school transition!
Back to School Transition Tips
Build Routine & Structure
During the month or so leading up to school, try to build in some structure and routine. Or, balance your child’s summer free time with some scheduled activities and predictable events. Even a set meal time and bedtime can make a difference (especially for younger children).
Adjust sleep and wake schedules a few weeks prior to school starting to allow your child time to get into a new routine. Move bedtime back in 15 or 30-minute increments for several days. And, black-out curtains are great for those long summer evenings!
Talk About Feelings & Emotions
Encourage open conversations with your child about how they are feeling and check in with them on a regular basis. Normalize talking about feelings and make sure these conversations are judgment-free.
Validate their emotions. No matter how trivial you may think something is, to your child it can be perceived as a bigger deal. Stress, anxiety, and sadness about school or peer relationships are normal at all stages of development.
Lastly, build emotional resilience. Teach your child to recognize positives in their day and help them turn negative self-talk into positive self-talk.
Foster Social Development
Help your child’s continued social growth by organizing playdates or group activities over the summer. This will also help them feel more connected to their peers when they return to school.
It’s especially important to practice social skills for younger children, and those with developmental delays and communication disorders. Role-playing school or peer scenarios can help them to feel confident in handling situations they may encounter or are worried about.
Limit cell phones and tablets and set firm boundaries for screens. Too much screen time can be detrimental to several aspects of child development. We are seeing an entire generation of kids with high levels of anxiety, stunted social skill development, and an inability to regulate their emotions when presented with minor frustrations.
Encourage Physical Activity
Get the kids outside! Fresh air, sunshine, and regular exercise are simple ways to promote positive mental health all year round. Going for nature walks or hikes are great ways to combat stress and boost moods.
Children need an opportunity to use their imaginations, make neighborhood friends, and learn to get along and problem solve with others. These are valuable learning experiences that children lack in a virtual world.
Related Reading: Summer Activities to Improve Coordination in Kids
Hobbies & Sports
Support your child’s healthy interests. Encourage creative pursuits such as art, music, theater, or constructive arts and building things. Take the opportunity at back-to-school night to learn about various clubs the school offers. This can also be a great way to meet new friends and inspire confidence.
Organized activities and sports can foster a mindset of teamwork and commitment. Learning to be a good teammate and a good sport is important for children, and will help them to tolerate occasional disappointment without having a meltdown.
Be Positive About the Back to School Transition
Positive conversations about school should be encouraged. Kids in today’s digital world face different challenges in their social, emotional, and educational development, so a parent that role models positive talk about learning and academics can help children frame their own mindset.
Ease anxiety about the back to school transition by visiting the school if possible. Back to school nights offer an opportunity to meet teachers, peers, and learn your way around a new environment. Encourage your child to set goals for what they hope to learn or achieve in school this year.
Continue Self-Care for You
Model positive mental health to your kids by managing your own stressors and emotions. The home environment should ideally be a calm and safe place for kids.
Continue Regular Appointments
Continue with recommended therapies over the summer to boost skills and not lose traction on your child’s goals. It is better to continue what they are working on in therapy during the summer when they are more relaxed and better able to retain the skills they are learning.
Stay Connected, Especially with Teens
Connection is so important, especially during the teenage years when they are confronted with new challenges and pressures. Keep the line of communication open, try not to be judgmental, and let them know you are here for them no matter the struggle. You want them to come to you when the “big stuff” happens.
Adolescent brains are wired for impulsivity and risk-taking, so it’s crucial that they have a safe and trusted adult to turn to. This can increase the occurrence of not only responsible decision-making, but the likelihood that they will turn to you in a moment of crisis. Listen to them instead of lecture them. Ask questions instead of accuse.
Seek Out Support
If you notice your child struggling with big (or small) transitions, reach out for help! Pediatric Partners has a team of highly-trained mental health counselors, as well as physical, occupational, and speech therapists to help children with a wide range of needs to learn, grow and live well.
They offer FREE SCREENINGS and tailor services to the unique needs of each child and family.
Contact them at 701-232-2340 or via their website here to schedule your free screening or ask questions.
