Doesn’t it feel like school just let out for the summer? But it’s already August, and before you know it, the kids will be headed back to the classroom for another year of learning.
This time of year can be exciting, but it’s also a little scary, a little stressful and a little surprising. Everyone is trying to get back into a routine and adjust to a new grade. For some kids, it might even be time to move to a new school.
It’s a lot to manage. But here are seven tips that will set your family up for success this back-to-school season and start the academic year off right — so you can make the most of the good and maybe avoid the bad.
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Start adjusting routines one to two weeks before school begins.
It’s tempting to wait until school starts to get back into a routine, but an overnight change can be abrupt, especially when there’s already so much about the first day of school that can be unpredictable. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends giving yourself a week or two before school starts to observe bedtimes, wake-up times and meal schedules.
As you get closer to the first day of school (maybe three or four days out) try doing a “dress rehearsal” for the big morning. You and your kids can pack backpacks, lay out clothes, make breakfast and get the timing down just right. This will make the first day feel a lot less stressful because your kids have already been through the motions.
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Talk openly about feelings — even excitement and anxiety can happen at the same time.
It’s OK to have mixed feelings about the first day of school. Nearly every kid does. The Maryland Anxiety Center says to let children know it’s normal to feel this way. Listen to your children as they express their emotions and let them feel heard without feeling as if you need to immediately “fix” the problem.
But remember to stay positive. It’s normal (and healthy) to ask your child what they’re worried about. But you can balance it out with positive conversations that make school sound like less of a scary place. Consider asking questions like “What are you most excited about?” or “What friends do you hope are in your class?”
While you’re engaging in positive talk, it’s also good to take time to learn calming techniques before they’re needed. Deep breathing, mindfulness, stretching or counting exercises are easier to fall back on when you and your child have had a chance to practice them during calm moments.
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Visit the school before the first day if possible.
Your school might offer a visitor day or sneak-a-peak, when students are invited to come in and walk the hallways, see their classroom, sit at their desk, check out their locker and even meet their teacher. If this is an option, take advantage of it — it’ll go a long way in allaying fears and even generating excitement. The Glen Burnie Counseling Center suggests going early, as these kinds of events get more crowded as the day goes on, and a crowd can be overwhelming.
Even if you can’t go inside, you may have an opportunity to walk around the grounds and play on the playground, which can make a new environment feel familiar and fun. Similarly, arranging a playdate or neighborhood meetup with classmates can help all the children feel more socially confident on their first day.
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Let your child be involved with back-to-school preparations.
Going back to school is a lot more fun when kids have autonomy. If they’re interested in joining you, bring them along for shopping trips to get new school clothes or school supplies. Give them freedom to pick out what they like (within reason, of course).
When you get home, let them decorate their backpack and notebooks and select which clothes they want to wear on the first day. You can also help them organize a study space in their bedroom or a family common area where they’ll be able to focus on their homework.
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Watch for physical signs of stress.
Regular complaints about not wanting to attend school may signal anxiety, bullying or another underlying issue, not simple reluctance. Anxiety will often take on physical symptoms — if your child experiences frequent stomachaches, headaches or insomnia, these might be symptoms of anxiety.
You might think you’re helping your child by letting them stay home from school, but Annapolis Pediatrics notes that this can create an anxiety of returning that’s even harder to overcome. You can help them overcome this by being reassuring, giving them positive self-statements, praising their effort and being consistent about the importance of school.
If distress lasts for more than a week or becomes an interference with daily life, seek support from your pediatrician or a mental health professional.
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Avoid overscheduling during the first few weeks.
The start of the school year brings the start of other activities. Sports practice, clubs and even social get-togethers are beginning after the slow vacation mode of summer. It’s tempting to try to do it all (especially if this seems like a way of drumming up enthusiasm for your child), but it’s best to give some time for rest while everyone adjusts to the new academic and extracurricular routines. Too much too soon can lead to burnout and overwhelm.
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Focus on progress, not perfection.
Some kids hit the ground running on the first day of school. Others might take a few weeks to adjust, even when you do everything you can to be ready to go back. That’s OK! You can help your child along the way by celebrating small wins, such as making a new friend or doing their homework without being told. These successes help build your child’s confidence, so the big challenges aren’t as intimidating.
And remember that children who feel they belong at school are more likely to thrive emotionally and academically. Explain to them that other students are going through the same anxieties they are, and sometimes all they have to do is make the first move to form a friendship — introduce themselves, give a compliment or offer to share something they have.
In a worst-case scenario: If anxiety persists, or you find this back-to-school season is particularly overwhelming, don’t be afraid to seek help. Reach out to your child’s school guidance counselor or a community mental health resources team. These trusted organizations could be a great first step:
- Kids Mental Health Foundation – Back-to-school mental health checklists, conversation starters and school success resources (kidsmentalhealthfoundation.org)
- Maryland Anxiety Center – Practical strategies for managing school-related stress (marylandanxietycenter.com)
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) – Parent and caregiver mental health resources (nami.org)
