The long summer break is finally over and it is time to go back to school for your little ones.
Though parents may be excited about finally having their kids back in school, the children might be feeling anxious about going back to school after such a long break. According to psychologist Erika Chaippini, parents or caregivers may notice their children exhibiting some nervousness about new routines, schoolwork or social interactions, however some of this is a normal part of back-to-school jitters that gradually diminish over a few weeks.
John Hopkins Medicine suggests these tips to help ease your childs back to school anxiety:
- A day or two before school, start preparing children for the upcoming transition by resuming school-year routines, such as setting a realistic bedtime and selecting tomorrow’s clothes.
- Arrange play dates with one or more familiar peers before school starts. Research shows that the presence of a familiar peer during school transitions can improve children’s academic and emotional adjustment.
- Visit the school before the school year begins, rehearse the drop-off and spend time on the playground or inside the classroom if the building is open. Have your child practice walking into class while you wait outside or down the hall.
- Come up with a prize or a rewarding activity that the child could earn for separating from mom or dad to attend school.
- Validate the child’s worry by acknowledging that, like any new activity, starting school can be hard but soon becomes easy and fun.
Also see: The danger of posting your child in school uniform
