Did you and your children have a wonderful summer, full of fun, without the rigid routine of early rising, studying/working and early to bed? Getting back into the school routine can be difficult for parents and children alike. It’s natural to resist early rising, classroom hours, homework and missing late night TV shows! But with a little preparation and the right attitude, it doesn’t have to be too difficult.
According to psychologists, it is normal for a child to be anxious about going back to school, just as it’s hard for adults to start a new job or adjust to a foreign environment. Children are preparing themselves for change: different teachers, classmates, tasks, and educational challenges. As a result, there may be apprehension manifested in troubled sleep during the start of the school year. Other symptoms might include continued trouble sleeping, decreased appetite or irritability. Severe cases can involve tears, tantrums and even refusing to go to school.
Role-playing school with stuffed animals can help younger children prepare for what is ahead. With older children, role-modeling a positive attitude is beneficial. No matter which age group a parent is coping with, the guardian’s attitude has a strong influence on how children view the beginning of school. Children pick up on their parents’ feelings, react to them and often magnify them.
No matter how insecure the parents may actually feel about their children’s success, it is important to put out positive energy and show faith in what the youngsters can achieve. In other words, it’s up to the parents to normalize their apprehension by saying something such as, “Everyone gets a little nervous before a new school year, but you are going to do really well; I know you are!” Or, “There is a special someone in a classroom who is just waiting to become your new friend. Can you imagine that?” Setting positive expectations is a simple way to help young ones anticipate the good and look forward to the school year. And, explain that any physical discomforts they may experience are natural and temporary, “just the body’s way of getting ready for a change.”
Tips for an Easy Transition into School