School is almost back in session! For some children, this is a very exciting time—new teachers, new classmates, new routine, and sometimes even a new school. For other children, this is a terrifying time—new teachers, new classmates, new routine, and sometimes even a new school. It is normal for your child to feel apprehensive about all of these changes. Instead of ignoring their big feelings and hoping it will all be fine on the first day, try these 8 tips to help your student adjust to the new school year.
1. Stay positive, listen, and encourage.
Kids look to parents to see how they are supposed to react in new situations. Instead of complaining about their assigned teacher or worrying over how they will make it through the whole day without a nap, focus on staying positive. Point out the good things about school and listen to your child when they voice any anxieties. Remind them of how brave and wonderful they are; encourage them as they take this big step.
2. Choose a back to school outfit.
Let your child choose a back to school outfit that he or she feels comfortable in and expresses his or her good style and fun personality. I know you probably have “the perfect outfit” in mind, but if your child hates it, be open to compromising. After all, they are the ones wearing it for a full day! In our school district, elementary school students have a “Meet the Teacher Day” the day before school starts. Mom picks out the outfit for this quick meeting, and the kids choose what their friends see them in for the first day of school. Everyone wins!
For clothes both of you will love, visit our favorite Birmingham children’s clothing stores and tween boutiques.
3. Write a note or draw a picture for the teacher.
Drawing a picture to take to the teacher gives your child a first day of school mission to take their mind off of any jitters. It is also a great way to teach them about kindness and how to brighten someone’s day. If your child is not into drawing or being crafty, any teacher would appreciate a gift from a local business.
4. Begin back to school routines early.
Don’t wait until the night before school starts to shift bedtime earlier. Gradually resume your normal morning and evening routines over the week before school starts so that everyone has time to adjust. Make this process easy on yourself with our tips for easing into back to school routines.
5. Practice a day at school.
Knowing what to expect can help decrease stress on the first day of school. For kindergarteners, practice zipping and unzipping their back pack, getting out folders, and using tools like pencils, scissors, and glue. To prepare for lunch, have a picnic using their school lunchbox, and practice what they should bring back home versus what goes in the trash.
Talk to your children about the plan for their school transportation to and from school. Teach them to recognize their bus stop or carpool number, and be sure they know to have all of their things ready to go when it’s their turn. For kindergarteners who are carpooling, it can be helpful to do a trial run of getting in and out of the car with all of their gear so they don’t get flustered on the big day. It’s even good to practice saying goodbye and walking away from the car if you think that might be hard for your child.
Some schools offer a day that younger or new students can walk through the school and meet their teacher before school starts. Take advantage of this time! If allowed, practice walking from the school entrance to class, and check out the lunchroom, gym, and playground so that your student will be as comfortable as possible on the first day.
6. Put a special note in their lunchbox.
Seeing a mid-day reminder that they are loved can be helpful for many children. Even if your little one can’t read well yet, a picture or fun sticker is just as fun to add to their school lunch.
7. Read a book about school.
Many of your children’s favorite book characters star in books about going to school! Try Curious George’s First Day of School, If You Take a Mouse to School, Daniel Goes to School, or Pete the Kitty’s First Day of Preschool.
8. Start a fun tradition.
Many families have back to school traditions to help kids look forward to the new school year and commemorate an exciting milestone. Whether it’s a special picture, a yummy treat, or one of our favorite back to school traditions, doing something out of the ordinary gives your kiddo something to look forward to and takes their mind off of their worries.
9. Do something that they love together.
This tip is really great for any age, but especially for older students. While older kids may not appreciate your lunchbox note or back to school sign as much as they used to, there are plenty of ways to connect with your teen and show them love before school starts. One on one time, especially while doing something they enjoy, can be so special in the teen years. Before summer is over, go to a restaurant of their choice, have a coffee or bubble tea date, go shopping, or enjoy one of our favorite summer activities for teens.
Resist the urge to ask a million questions. Instead, keep this a low pressure, fun time. Unless they bring it up earlier, check in with them about any back to school jitters on the ride home. I have found that the car is the best place for my kids to have big conversations. It’s a safe space where no one else will walk in, there are few distractions, and they don’t even have to look me in the eye if they’re embarrassed about something.
