by Sara Jackson, CSW
Center for Safe & Healthy Families
It’s common for children to feel some nervousness about returning back to school after a carefree summer away from homework, tests, and social challenges. Younger children who are going to school for the first time may worry about getting lost or what school will be like. Older children may worry that they won’t be able to handle the homework load or that they will be made fun of by others. Typically, children have anxiety when they don’t know what to expect or when things are unknown. Here are some tips for helping kids ease back into school and calming their worries:
1) Have a Conversation
- Ask your child about his/her worries for the first day of school or for school in general.
- Remind your child that other kids are probably just as nervous.
- Remind your child that even parents can feel stressed about the first day of school.
- Try to stay calm and positive; if you’re feeling stressed, your child can pick up on your anxiety.
2) Visit the School
- Take your child to school to get to know the new building. This is especially important for first-time students who aren’t sure what to expect. (Many schools will have preschool orientations for younger children to come and meet their teacher and see their classroom before school starts.)
- Make sure your child knows where the bathroom is, how to get to the cafeteria, etc.
3) Practice Going to/from School
- Whether your child will be walking, taking a bus, or driven by you, practice the route he/she will take so he/she can feel more comfortable with the route. This will ease his/her anxiety about getting lost and familiarize him/her with the surroundings.
4) Get Organized for the School Year
- Set a schedule for homework, bath time, relaxation time, etc. so your child will know what to expect during the school year.
- Make sure your child has all the school supplies he/she will need.
- Organize a tidy space for doing homework.
- Make lunches the night before so you and your child won’t feel rushed in the morning.
- Hang a family calendar in a common area where your child can see important upcoming events.
5) Arrange Play Dates
- Set up play dates with your child to help him/her reconnect with old friends or to make new ones. This will reduce nervousness about having friends in class and will get your child back into the groove of socializing with same-aged peers.
6) Keep an Eye on Anxiety
- If your child’s anxiety seems like more than back-to-school jitters or if you notice he or she has frequent temper tantrums, nightmares or a strong refusal to go to school consider contacting your child’s teacher or school counselor for additional help and resources.
Returning back to school can be stressful–not only for children, but for parents as well. During this time, it’s important to ask your children about their concerns and reassure them that these worries are normal. Follow the tips above to help children (and yourself!) return back to school with as little stress as possible.
