Summer vacation is a much-needed rest period for students, teachers, and parents. However, going back to school can be stressful and anxiety-provoking for some students. These three steps can help ease the back to school transition.
1. ROUTINE. September is often one of the busiest and most stressful months for teachers, students, and parents alike. The primary cause for this is the lack of routine. The relaxed summer hours have ended, and new schedules have yet to be finalized and adopted. There are always kinks to work out.One of the ways to reduce stress and anxiety around going back to school is to establish a routine for students, especially younger ones, as early as possible. Although scheduling issues will likely always be a challenge with drop offs, pick-ups, extra-curricular activities, and weekend activities, there are a few things that can be done quickly to help establish routine. For example, keeping regular sleep hours can be critical. Getting children to bed at the same time every night with a regular wake-up time will ensure a good night’s rest and easier adjustment. Parents might even consider easing kids into the sleep routine a week or two in advance of school. Other types of routines to implement are homework, eating, and exercise routines.
2. COMMUNICATION. Students with back to school anxiety might be worried about increased academic expectations that might be put upon them, potential social issues, or relationships with teachers, among other things. The way we talk to kids can have a big impact on their thinking. Instead of saying “this is a big year for you”, try asking, “what are some things that you are looking forward to this year?” Similarly, other open-ended questions might start a conversation between you and your child that could help to reduce anxiety about the year ahead and prompt opportunities to problem-solve and plan together.
3. FOCUS ON POSITIVES. Some students develop school-related anxieties because of previous negative experiences. The objective of school is to learn, and sometimes this happens by making mistakes. Helping students keep an eye on their opportunities for success and guiding them to set goals, make plans, and get started can be positive ways of coping with the emotions that come from previous failures.
Like many sources of anxiety, anxiety around back to school transition is rooted in concerns about the unknown or what’s to come. Students might be worried that they won’t fit in with their classmates, live up to expectations of their parents, teachers, or even themselves. By establishing routine, keeping open communication, and focusing on positive paths forward, we can ease the stress that is associated with a hectic time.
RESOURCES:
MyStudyLife App: This app can be helpful for older students to manage their time, assignments, and routine. More information at https://www.mystudylife.com
Understood.org – How Self-Advocacy Can Relieve Back to School Stress https://www.understood.org/en/community-events/blogs/the-inside-track/2016/08/02/back-to-school-stress-why-i-believe-self-advocacy-can-help
Johns Hopkins – 5 Tips to Ease Back to School Anxiety https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/articles-and-answers/wellbeing/5-tips-to-ease-back-to-school-anxiety
Healthy Learning MTL 