The weeks leading up to the start of a new school year are almost always weeks full of anxiety for children and parents alike. This year, to prepare for back to school is even more challenging. With an ever-changing landscape of what the school year will look like, our anxiety thrives in this uncertainty.
Our children may start the school year in one mode of learning and have to transition to a completely different mode later in the year. There’s a completely new learning module. Parents and children are asked to be flexible, but just like any other year, anxiety is bound to surface.
You’re nervous about how to keep up with the changes. You’re nervous about how to best be there for your child and help them learn. Follow these tips to help you and your family adjust to this “new normal” of education.
Have Bedtime and Wake Up Schedules
In the summer, sleep schedules tend to change. Later bedtimes and later mornings are almost inevitable, and that’s okay. But as the new school year approaches, it’s time to get back into a set schedule. Start adjusting your child’s routine now, a few weeks before school starts. Move their bedtime back by 15 minutes each day for those two weeks to get them back in school mode. This will make mornings easier and will give your child the sleep they need for brain power to tackle their day.
Check in Often
It’s easy to get caught up in your own stress of what you need to do to prepare for back to school. Even if you’re taking care of almost everything for your child, they’re still being affected. Make sure that you talk with your child about their upcoming school year and ask them they feel about it. Resist the urge to dismiss their worries and tell them they will be fine. Just listen. Validate their feelings and help them realize that they will be able to handle the new situation. You can give them encouragement and remind them of their strength. Empowering your child will even help you feel better about the new year, because you can be confident that even in times of uncertainty, your child has got this.
Find Positives in the New Routine
As hard as it can be to embrace change, there are positives to be found in this new routine. If your child is frustrated that they are full distance or hybrid, find something that is positive for them so they can see things in a different light. These positives can be small, something as simple as telling your child they’ll get to eat their favorite meals every day since they’ll be at home during lunch. There is a silver lining if you take some time to look for it. Communicate these positives to their child and let them know that even though the situation isn’t ideal, they can still have a great year.
Communicate with Your Child’s Teacher
There might not be traditional parent-teacher conferences this year, and there will be less convenient opportunities to talk with your child’s teacher. Still, it’s important to make it a point to communicate with the teacher. Let them know that you’re worried or that your child may need a little extra attention from them. Then, let your child know that you spoke with your teacher. They’ll feel more comfortable knowing that their teacher cares for them. Remember that the teachers are in this with you, and they’re there to help and listen. All it takes is an email or a phone call. Stay in touch. They’ll appreciate it just as much as your child does.
Make Back to School Shopping a Priority
Even if your child won’t be stepping foot into their school and will be completing everything from home, an important step to prepare for back to school is to go back to school shopping. A new notebook or water bottle will get them excited to set up their school space at home to facilitate learning. Make them a workspace that will be theirs in some special way. Back to school shopping will give some normality to your child’s life and remind them that it’s time to get into the school spirit again.
Check Your Own Anxiety
Navigating the new, changing schools plans while juggling your job or other responsibilities can be very overwhelming. Take a moment and remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Remind yourself to take this one day at a time. Your children will be okay, and you will get through this together. Our children can feel our energy and feed off it, so if you are projecting anxiety and fear over the start of school, they will feel that. Make sure you are practicing some self-care so that you can keep your anxiety under control. Doing this will help you help them.
When it’s time to prepare for back to school, there’s certain to be some anxiety. This is true now more than ever. These are just a few tips to help your family adjust to the new normal of education and help your children not only survive this new school model, but thrive.
