Back to School Transition Tips
The school year is upon us, and it can be exciting and stressful for parents and children. Here are some simple ideas that I have found helpful in getting your children back into the swing of school.
Create a simple routine. It may seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to keep it simple. Establishing a routine at home is beneficial for children and parents. In my experience working with children and parents, I have found that not having some sort of routine adds more anxiety and parental stress and impacts children’s moods, behaviors, and performance at school. Things to consider when setting a simple routine are setting a time for waking and preparing for school, meals, homework, extracurricular activities, leisure, bedtime, and family time.
Breathe and relax. As simple as it sounds, it is so important to encourage children to implement ways to regulate their feelings and emotions. But parents need to do this as well. I encourage kiddos and parents to practice deep breathing exercises daily, even if they are not experiencing big emotions.
Family check-ins. Doing daily or weekly check-ins with your child and family provides opportunities for parents to know how their children are doing at school and home. It also lets children understand how their parents/family are doing. I recommend that parents communicate about why check-ins are essential. It is a safe space to express their feelings without judgment or punishment. It is crucial to build consistency with checking in, so it may be a great idea to have a family meeting to set a day to do a family check-in where each family member can share how they are doing or their “win” for the week. Make it fun and engaging.
Rest. As children get back to school, it’s essential to ensure they get enough sleep to restore their bodies to the demands of school.
Disconnect from screens and devices. A few years ago, I attended a training on how smartphones and tablets impact children's and teens' social skills, cognitive functioning, and overall development. Setting some time limits on screen time can be helpful for both children and parents. An article from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry shared that children ages 8-12 spend 4-6 hours a day watching or using screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours. I recommend monitoring how often children use their screens and cultivating an environment in your home that allows them to explore hobbies and activities that don’t involve screen time, such as cooking, art, music, and other activities.
Safety. It is essential to have conversations with your children about safety. Children should know what they should do at home, in public, at school, etc., and navigate about potential risks. Home should be one of the safest places for children physically, emotionally, and mentally. So, make sure that your child feels that security at home.
Build a relationship with your child’s teacher. Teachers will spend a significant amount of time with your child. It’s so vital that you build a healthy relationship with them and other adults who are involved in your child’s life.
Follow us here and on social media for more mental health tips. If you’re in need of additional support, I am also available for video based counseling in the Clarksville/Hopkinsville Area.
