Back-to-School can often cause many emotions in our little ones, especially those attending school for the first time. There’s the excitement and anticipation of a new school year, a new classroom, and the chance to make new friends. But there’s also the stress and anxiety of entering a new environment and not knowing what to expect. Caregivers, too, deal with similar emotions as they try to manage their children’s feelings and offer support and encouragement.

As caregivers, it’s important that we acknowledge feelings of nervousness while also working towards building positive emotions around the new school season. To make this back-to-school season the best one yet, here are 4 ways to help your kids to feel excited and confident about the new school year.

  1. Help them identify and manage big feelings.
    Bottled-up emotions can lead to negative effects on the body and brain. Give your children a safe space to talk about all that they’re feeling inside. Spending time with them and talking about their thoughts on back-to-school will make them feel heard. This can help you and your child communicate better. Find ways to help them identify their emotions and discover ways they can manage big feelings in a positive way. Here are some great resources to help:

     

  2. Read books about going back to school.

    During quality time with your child, add in reading books about back-to-school. There are countless books that address all the emotions children may feel during this season. We've compiled a list of 8 Essential Children's Books to Prepare Your Child for Back-to-School Success. Reading these books together will not only spark conversations about their feelings but it can also show your child that the classroom environment is not a scary place. Through engaging stories and fun illustrations, these books can ease fears and remind kids of all the fun they’ll have in their new classroom.

  3. Practice the school routine.

    Establishing a consistent routine before school starts is essential for helping your child transition smoothly into the school year. A well-structured routine will help promote a sense of stability which will in turn reduce anxiety and build confidence.  and Here’s how to effectively create and implement a back-to-school routine:

    • Gradually start adjusting your child’s bedtime to match the school schedule a few weeks before starts. Here are some tips to help you build their routine!
    • Adding a morning routine that includes time for waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast and getting prepared for the day. Here are 5 tips for a good morning with your kids.
    • Designate time for learning and after-school activities. Incorporating these into your day will ensure your child has a balanced schedule.

     

  4. Prepare together!

Preparing for the new school year can be a fun and meaningful experience that helps your child feel more confident and excited about going back to school. Make the most out of this preparation time by shopping for supplies together, planning out and picking out new outfits and setting up a study space. If possible, arrange a meeting with their teacher to get them acquainted with the new space. Prepare them by discussing this year’s goals and expectations which will in turn give them a sense of purpose and boost their confidence. This shared experience will build more confidence and strengthen your bond, showing them that they have your support and encouragement every step of the way.

As caregivers, it is up to us to nurture our children’s confidence and empower them to embrace new experiences and thrive, both, academically and socially. Let’s make this school year a positive and fulfilling journey for our little ones!

Ready for more? You might also like these:
Making Emotional Wellness a Family Affair
Recognizing Feelings and Emotions
Staying Healthy During Cold and Flu Season