3 Strategies to Ensure a Smooth Back-To-School Transition 📚
As children transition back to school, nurturing their mental health is integral to their success in the classroom. Implementing these three effective strategies can make a substantial difference in facilitating a smooth transition from summer to school:
1. Open Conversations
Have open conversations about any worries or anxieties your child might have regarding school. Listen attentively, validate their feelings, and problem-solve together.
Visit the school beforehand if possible to help your child familiarize themselves with the surroundings and begin to build their support system with their teachers, counselors, and other school personnel.
2. Schedules & Routines
Establish a consistent schedule in order to provide stability and predictability, and ease anxiety associated with change. Begin adjusting their sleep schedule and daily routine incrementally to ease the transition. This gradual change helps their bodies and minds acclimate to the upcoming changes, making the first few weeks of school easier to handle.
3. Reinforce Coping Skills
Remind your child of calming techniques like deep breathing to help manage stress and regulate their emotions.
By integrating these strategies into the back-to-school routine, you can foster a positive and supportive environment that prioritizes your child’s mental health.
Today’s Exercise
Ask your child about their feelings about the start of the school year. Listen attentively, validate their feelings, and work through solutions. Together, practice taking 3 big deep belly breaths and remind them to use this practice whenever they feel overwhelmed or anxious.
Resources
Butterflies on the First Day of School
Rosie can’t wait to start kindergarten—she’s had her pencils sharpened and her backpack ready for weeks. But suddenly, on the night before the big day, her tummy hurts. Rosie’s mom reassures her that it’s just butterflies in her belly, and she’ll feel better soon. Much to Rosie’s surprise, when she says hello to a new friend on the bus, a butterfly flies out of her mouth! As the day goes on, Rosie frees all her butterflies, and even helps another shy student let go of hers, too.
A Little Spot Goes to School
This fun and informative book will show any child what to expect when they start school. Whether they are starting school for the first time, switching schools, or they just need a litter refresher after a long summer break, this book is a perfect addition to any library. Children will be entertained while learning about classroom expectations, classroom rules, and what they can look forward to learning in class!