How to Reduce Stress: Back to School Edition

Meltdowns, and chaos, and schedules, oh my! Starting a new school year can be incredibly exciting, but it can also bring its share of stress for both children and parents. Here are some tips to help ease into the new school year and keep stress at bay:

Check Your Expectations

When we think about going back to school, parents can feel pretty relieved. They may feel like the chaos of summer will wind down, and they can get back to the predictability of schedules. Unfortunately, for your kiddos, the start of the school year is about as stressful as the first day of a new job. They're trying to understand the expectations on them, what "coworkers" to look for or avoid, and they're getting a preview of all the projects ahead of them. Just like most adults, this can cause a lot of inner turmoil and anxiety. Try to keep in mind that the transition is hard and will quiet down in a couple of weeks as they get used to their "new normal." A little extra patience goes a long way!

Meet the New Teacher

Continuing our new-job analogy: help your kid meet their new boss. Kids worry about how they'll get along with their teacher, whether that teacher will like them, and whether they're right to be afraid. Buffering your child's first experience with the teacher can help them reassure themselves that there's nothing to fear. Make sure to attend the school’s open house so they know where they're going and who they'll find there.

Help Them Socially

Having a friend in the classroom can be very comforting for your child. Use Facebook groups for your child's grade or school, or refer to class lists from previous years to find out which of your child’s friends will be in the same class this year. Organize a playdate before school starts to help your child reconnect with friends and ease their transition.

Establish a Routine

Children thrive on routine, and knowing their daily schedule can reduce their stress. Dry erase boards and colorful markers can be used to outline the next day’s activities or create a simple set of pictures describing what the expectations are for them at different times of the day. For example, having a picture of clothes, a toothbrush, a toilet, and stairs is usually enough to prompt a child to remember what they need to accomplish before heading to breakfast. This will help your child mentally prepare for their day and allow you to manage logistical details effectively.

Manage Extracurricular Activities

Between sports, swim lessons, music, theater, and parties, excessive extracurricular activities can contribute to stress for both kids and parents. Balance is key to maintaining a manageable routine for yourself and your child, so make sure you don’t overwhelm their schedule or have conflicts that interfere with their sleep and homework needs. Ensuring that kids have time to rest, play, and recharge is essential in providing them with outlets for the changes they're experiencing.

It Gets Better

Remember that this is a brief window in time and that it's natural for your child to struggle with the new routines and expectations. If you're finding that you need help balancing the role of a parent, reach out to us for parent coaching. If, after the first few weeks of school, your child is still struggling, feel free to give us a call to see if we can help support your child.