How to Transition Back to School

The end of summer marks the beginning of a new chapter for many families as the school year commences. While the promise of learning, growth, and new experiences is exciting, it's important to acknowledge that this transition can also bring about a significant amount of stress for both children and their families. From adjusting to new routines to managing academic pressures, the start of the school year can feel like navigating through a storm of emotions.

While the back-to-school period can be stressful, there are strategies that children and families can employ to navigate these challenges and make the transition smoother:

In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips to support your child's mental health and ensure a positive and confident start to the academic year.

Establish A Good Routine

During the summer break, families often adopt a more relaxed schedule, allowing for flexibility and leisure. The return to school means a sudden shift to a structured routine, which can be jarring for children and families alike. Early wake-up calls, rushed morning routines, and the need to adhere to strict schedules can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety as everyone tries to adapt.

Structure and routine can be beneficial for your child's mental health. A consistent routine can provide a sense of stability and predictability, reducing

anxiety during times of change.

• Gradual Transition: Start adjusting routines a week or two before school begins. Gradually shifting bedtime and wake-up times can help ease the abrupt change.

• Time Management Skills: Teach children age-appropriate time management skills. Create schedules that balance study time, extracurricular activities, and downtime.

Communicate & Talk About Feelings

Begin the conversation by asking your child how they are feeling about returning to school. Encourage them to express their emotions openly, without judgment. Listen actively to their concerns and validate their feelings. Letting your child know that it's okay to feel nervous or anxious can create a safe space for them to share their thoughts.

Address Anxiety and Stress

If your child's anxiety or stress becomes overwhelming, consider seeking professional 

support from a mental health counselor or therapist. Professional help can equip your child with coping strategies and provide a safe space to explore their emotions and concerns.

Recognize Stress Triggers

Identify potential stress triggers for your child during the back-to-school transition. It could be social pressures, academic expectations, or fear of the unknown. Being aware of these triggers allows you to address them proactively and provide appropriate support.

Promote Self-Care and Emotional Well-being

Teach your child the importance of self-care and emotional well-being. Encourage them to engage in activities that help them relax and de-stress, such as spending time outdoors, reading, or practicing mindfulness exercises. Prioritizing self-care can build resilience and coping skills, enabling your child to manage stress more effectively.

"To reframe the end of summer in a more positive life, consider creating an "end of summer bucket list" with your children."

– Dr. Ibelema

Set Realistic Expectations

While academic success is important, remember to prioritize well-being. Set achievable goals and emphasize personal growth over perfection.

Parents want the best for their children, and while this comes from a place of love, it can inadvertently add to the stress. High parental expectations, whether related to grades, behavior, or extracurricular involvement, can lead to children feeling pressured to meet these standards, sometimes at the expense of their well-being.

Stay Connected with School Staff

Maintain open communication with your child's teachers and school staff. Inform them of any concerns you have regarding your child's mental health, and work together to create a supportive environment. Collaborating with the school can ensure that your child's emotional needs are met, both in the classroom and beyond.

Encourage Social Connections

Participation in school clubs and sports is shown to decreas

e school related anxiety and school avoidance. These activities foster a sense of belonging and allow a child to express themselves in play and creativity. All children deserve to have extracurricular interests outside of academics, but for children who have learning difficulties or conditions such as a ADHD these activities are even more crucial. They may allow them build confidence by "excelling" in a domain outside of the classroom.

Schedule Check- ups

Plan in advance to follow up with your child's pediatrician, child psychiatrist or therapist in advance. Preferably try to schedule these back to school check ups before the school year resumes. If you have access to sports physical forms, medication forms or school accommodation forms plan to have your child's doctor assist with those in advance. This proactive visit can also help your child's treatment team create a good foundational plan for the upcoming school year. 

Create An End of Summer Bucketlist

Good things never seem last long enough, so it's important to teach your children to savor and appreciate the good in life. To make the most of the summer and to reframe the end of summer in a more positive life, consider creating an "end of summer bucket list" with your children. Work on that crafting project, take them on that road trip or learn that silly Tim Tok dance. These actives will create a sweet frame around their summer, and the memories created will be carried in their hearts for a lifetime.