Back to school means back to many of the activities that kids left behind when camp and summer fun hit the family schedule. This can be a welcome change for parents, with the return of manageable routines and budgets. Kids may feel differently. They may be sad to see the carefree days of summer end, and anxious about the new school year. It can be an unsettling time for them.
Here are some fun and easy ways to help you and your child cope with the transition.
Start Now, But Start Slow
To make that first day wake-up call less stressful, gradually shift back into earlier wake-up times now. At least a week before the first day of school, start getting back to the family’s school-day schedule. Create a wind-down routine at night that includes unplugging an hour or two before bedtime, and start that process a bit earlier each night. Create a schedule with your child so they have input on what works best for them. Also, get them started on time-saving habits; in addition to earlier bedtimes, start setting clothes out the night before, and even setting the breakfast table after dinner is cleared away so that you have one less thing to do in the morning.
Be a Good Listener
Be ready to listen to your kids’ concerns and let them know it’s okay to be nervous or scared. Girls especially are often conditioned to believe they’re supposed to be positive, happy, and smiling all the time, that “bad” feelings should be pushed away or glossed over. Ignoring or brushing off those feeling often makes them worse, and turning a blind eye to your child’s nervousness can have even bigger consequences. Being able to talk about their feelings and having them validated can help kids feel more confident and able to deal with big feelings.
Connect With Friends
Summers can be busy, and many kids don’t stay connected with all their school friends over the break. It can be helpful to schedule playdates or sleepovers before school starts up again to give children a sense of safety and familiarity heading into that first day back. Making new friends is great, but seeing some friendly faces you already know can be comforting.
Fun School Supplies
What’s better than a new backpack emblazoned with sparkly unicorns or their favorite animated characters? Whether you’re shopping for pencils, notebooks, or that must-have, first-day outfit, you’re getting your child excited for school and boosting their confidence. You may also want to help them pick out a whiteboard or corkboard to display homework, artwork, and other important papers. Even the youngest of children can get in on the fun by labeling their school supplies or organizing a place near the front door to keep all the backpacks in one place. Teamwork makes everything easier!
A Celebration To Look Forward To
Plan a special family treat at the end of the first week of school. Maybe that’s a family movie night, an afternoon of miniature golf, or a special trip out to a favorite place. Talk about what kinds of activities outside of school they may be interested in that will give them more things to look forward to. That could be a sports team, a robotics club, or an organization like Girl Scouts. (Ready for a camping trip with your besties?)
Back to school also means back to troop for Girl Scouts, so your child can join a ready-made support network of friends and mentors that gives her the chance to grow in ways that school cannot provide. Give your girl space to follow her curiosity, to imagine, play, and create without pressure or perfection – with Girl Scouts! See for yourself at a free Discover Girl Scouts event near you, to try fun, hands-on activities, and get a free patch and activity kit to take home.
Find upcoming dates and locations at gsccc.org/discover today!
