Ah, the joys of back-to-school season! Some children will be brimming with excitement over everything from their freshly sharpened pencils to the days spent among their friends and classmates. Other children will dread this time of year or feel anxious about classroom expectations, bullies, or time away from their parents. Back-to-school season one year might feel completely different the next year. For children, re-entering a daily structure and being accountable for academic progress is one of the most significant transitions they know.
Creative Ways to Inspire Children During Back-to-School Season
Parents and other adult role models can do some core things to set their children up for success as we transition into a new school year.
- Be intentional and positive. First and foremost, parents should get aligned to present a consistent point of view that highlights positive associations with school. The more you talk about school as a comfortable, special place filled with caring people, the more children will look forward to starting the school year.
- Ease children into a routine. As summer’s long, lazy days wind down, parents should consider carving out dedicated space for a more scheduled daily routine to help build children’s tolerance around the types of structured activities they can expect in a school day. A stable, predictable schedule is crucial for children and helps to create a sense of psychological safety for them. If they learn how to participate in structured activities while at home, they’re more likely to feel safe and relaxed with unfamiliar adults in the classroom.
- Introduce children to new people. When it comes to opening children up and building trust with more people, parents and family members can be supportive by welcoming new faces and friends into children’s lives. The more children socialize with caring people of all ages, the better.
- Make time for peace and quiet. The thought of returning to school is likely to trigger social excitement or anxiety in children. For young children, in particular, their primary association with school is likely the people they interact with. Carve out space for quiet time to help regulate their feelings around new social experiences and teach children how to cope. Doing calm activities with minimal noise or distraction helps young children build the skills to tone down their energy and practice disciplined focus. Give children what they need to find their groove in a calm activity like painting, drawing, or making things out of clay. Setting aside time for a nap or some deep breathing exercises is also a great way to shift their energy.
When Back to School Jitters Signal Larger Issues
In addition to creating a daily structure and positive associations around school, adults should also be on the lookout for mental health disturbances or symptoms that a child is not adapting well to change. Separation anxiety is a very common issue, especially among young children. Children depend entirely on their parents and guardians at a young age and need special attention during big transitions to feel safe and protected. At school, infant care, or after-school programs, separation anxiety is something most children experience at some point in their early development. Be extra mindful of tantrums, clinginess, sleeplessness, or stomach aches during back-to-school season.
School-aged children can also display separation anxiety symptoms, perhaps by performing poorly at school, throwing a fit when it’s time to leave the house or the car, or becoming irrationally afraid of things they used to enjoy. If school-aged children or teens show fearfulness, lack of energy, or feelings of helplessness around going to school, they may be experiencing generalized anxiety or depression. As with all fear and anxiety issues, welcoming questions and permitting dialogue – even when you don’t have all the answers – is essential. Parents will do well to model firmness and strength in dealing with uncertainty. If adults and authority figures are confused or fearful, children are likely to pick up on these feelings and internalize them. If your child needs professional mental health support as they navigate this back-to-school season and beyond, Maryvale is here to help. We offer comprehensive mental health services through individual and family counseling. When situations call for it, we have an extensive network of community partners to support children and families navigate transitions and other challenging times.
