Transitioning from the relaxed days of summer to the structured routine of school can be challenging for children, often bringing feelings of anxiety, stress, and reluctance. The abrupt change in daily schedules, sleep patterns, and activities can make the adjustment period difficult.
We don’t want you to get overwhelmed in advance though! Specializing in child therapy, our team of STL therapists here at Marble Wellness can help. With just a little bit of preparation, especially thoughtful and intentional preparation, both parents and educators can help kiddos easy back into school routines without:
- meltdowns
- school refusal
- fights about bedtime
…and, maybe even help children return to the school year with confidence and enthusiasm!
So check out our tips below and consider what might work for your family. Reflect on recent years of the school transition and where your children have struggled (or, let’s be honest: what’s been tough for you and/or your partner as parents!), and be honest with yourself about where a little strategy could go a long way.
Identify 2-3 of these tips you can commit to, and start to mentally prepare with putting them in place. We trust that you’ll see a positive impact on the whole family!
17 Tips to Ease the Back to School Transition for Kids
- Gradual Routine Adjustment: Start adjusting sleep and wake-up times a few weeks before school begins to help children get used to the school schedule gradually.
We know it can be hard: it’s so tempting to let kids stay up late in the summer–the sun is still out; you’re hanging out with the neighbors; you don’t want to fight. But a little gradual adjustment here can make a *world* of difference come school-alarm time.
- Establish a Consistent Routine: Create a daily schedule that includes specific times for homework, play, meals, and bedtime. Consistency helps children know what to expect and reduces anxiety.
- Positive Attitude: Parents and educators should maintain a positive attitude about the upcoming school year, emphasizing the fun aspects of learning and seeing friends.
- Open Communication: Encourage children to talk about their feelings regarding the transition. Listen to their concerns and reassure them that it’s normal to feel anxious or excited.
- Organize a Visit to the School: If possible, arrange a visit to the school before it starts. Familiarizing children with the new environment, classrooms, and teachers can reduce anxiety.
- Set Goals Together: Work with children to set realistic and achievable goals for the school year. This can help them feel more motivated and focused.
- Create a Homework Station: Set up a quiet, organized space at home dedicated to doing homework. This helps children associate the space with focus and productivity.
- Incorporate Educational Activities: Gradually reintroduce educational activities during the summer, such as reading books, doing puzzles, or playing educational games, to get children back into a learning mindset.
- Plan Fun School-Related Activities: Engage in activities that make school feel exciting, such as back-to-school shopping for supplies, decorating their study area, or planning first-day-of-school outfits.
- Promote Physical Activity: Encourage regular physical activity to help children expend energy, reduce stress, and improve their overall mood and concentration.
Even if just 5-15 minutes! They can stretch, throw a ball, or just engage in any type of play that incorporates moving their bodies. Bonus points if they do it outside (especially in the months where the weather is good). But play after school—they’ve been sitting for almost 7 hours!—is also valuable. Consider ways to bookend the day with physical activity and watch your child blossom
- Healthy Nutrition: Ensure that children have balanced meals, especially breakfast, to keep their energy levels stable and support concentration throughout the day.
- Encourage Social Interactions: Arrange playdates with school friends before school starts to help children rekindle friendships and feel more comfortable socially.
- Practice the Commute: If the school commute is new or has changed, practice the route together a few times to ensure familiarity and reduce first-day jitters.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teach children simple mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help manage stress and anxiety.
- Stay Involved: Stay involved in your child’s education by attending school events, meeting with teachers, and keeping up with their progress. This shows children that you value their education.
- Encourage Independence: Make sure that every school year, you are considering the ways your child can increase their independence and also their responsibility. They respond well to this, and it can have a positive impact on you as the busy parent and the overall family system. Foster independence by giving children age-appropriate responsibilities, such as packing their school bag or choosing their clothes, to boost their confidence.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Celebrate the small successes, such as completing the first week of school, making a new friend, or doing well on a homework assignment, to build confidence and motivation.
Parents, you’ve got this! Your support and understanding will make a world of difference. And kiddos, you’ve got this! Embrace the school year with confidence and capability. Together, you can face any challenge that comes your way.
Consider Child Therapy in St. Louis, MO
If none of these strategies seem to help your child adjust to the transition from summer to school days, it might be beneficial to consider professional support. Scheduling a time for your child to see a therapist can provide them with a safe space to express their feelings and anxieties. Therapists can offer specialized techniques and coping strategies tailored to your child’s specific needs, helping them navigate their emotions and build resilience. Professional guidance can be invaluable in ensuring your child’s mental and emotional well-being during this challenging period. Our team at Marble Wellness has several St. Louis child therapists on staff, and are ready to be part of your child’s support system!
Contact Us!
Additional Counseling Services at Marble Wellness in St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL
Counseling services are designed to help set you on a path of living a more fulfilled, calm, and happy life.
St. Louis
Our St. Louis team of therapists has a variety of training backgrounds and areas of expertise. We specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, therapy for men, couples, and maternal overwhelm. Our practice also helps new moms with various postpartum concerns, moms in the thick of parenting, and moms with teens. We can also chat from wherever you are in the state with online therapy in Missouri. Live across the Mississippi? No problem! We also happen to offer online therapy in Illinois. No matter where you are in your journey, we would love to support you.
Chicago
Our Chicago team of therapists offers a wide range of mental health services. Our goal Is to help our clients through the different challenges and hurdles in their lives. Most of our clients seek help for anxiety, depression, grief, therapy for men, and maternal overwhelm. However, we also specialize in professional burnout, therapy for breakups, and love partnering with working moms.
