How to Help Your Kids Adjust for Back-to-School Changes

Navigating the back-to-school transition with Ian Kerns, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist.

As the summer sun begins to set, parents and children alike start to feel the anticipation of a new school year. Transitioning from the relaxed days of summer to the structured school routine can be a challenging time for families. However, with a little preparation and understanding, you can help your child adjust smoothly and start the school year on a positive note. Here are some strategies to ease the transition:

Gradually Reintroduce a School-Year Schedule and Routines.

Summer break typically means later bedtimes, sleeping in, and schedules that are, for the most part, pretty relaxed. This is an important place to start when preparing your child to ease back into their school routine, and starting sooner than later can make the transition smoother for you and your child. Help your child adjust to earlier bedtimes and wake-up times by gradually shifting these times over the course of several weeks. They should get within an hour of their school-year wake-up time at least.

Waking up is easier with a morning routine. So, have your child get dressed, eat breakfast, and prepare for their day. If they don’t have a lot going on that day, introduce some age-appropriate tasks that contribute to the household. This isn't about busy work, but about meaningful contributions. Plus, simple tasks like light chores can start the day positively.

If adults leave for work early and kids are old enough to stay home alone, have them check in with a call or text for added accountability.

Talk with them About the Upcoming School Year

Open communication is essential. Talk to your child about what they can expect in the new school year. This also provides an opportunity to find out what they are nervous about, which can sometimes cause avoidance. If they do share concerns about new teachers, classmates, or subjects, you can reassure them that feeling nervous is normal. Then, highlight some of the positives of schools, like seeing friends and engaging in the activities they love.

The beginning of the school year can cause anxiety and a sense of loss for many kids. The more adults reinforce that summer break is temporary, the better. This can be done by making plans for the school year ahead and framing the return to school as a positive.

Most importantly, set the tone. Your attitude can influence your child's perception of school, too. Avoid expressing dread about early mornings or the return to routines. Instead, put a positive spin on these routines, helping your child see them as more than just a return to school year misery. Kids often mirror the attitudes of the adults around them, so maintaining a positive outlook can help them do the same.

Engage Kids in Fun Activities that Reinforce Positive School-Year Habits.

Filling summer with fun or productive activities can help your child frame the time off in a positive way without worsening the dreaded “back-to-school blues.” Plus, as the saying goes, “Idle hands are the devil’s playthings.” In this case, “Idle hands make messes and binge screens out of boredom.”

Arranging activities may be a good way to keep kids active and away from problematic behaviors. Friends from school or the neighborhood can be a big help here. Having play-dates or engaging in shared activities with them can remind your kids that they enjoy seeing them every day during the school year. For younger children, trips to the playground of the school can be fun and may help them look forward to daily recess and time with friends.

Another way to make back-to-school positive is to let your child take part in school prep! Simpler things, like allowing them to choose their backpack, notebooks, and other items gives them a sense of control and builds excitement for the new school year. Other exciting elements include back-to-school clothes shopping, or even letting them take the lead on creating an at-home study space.

For younger children, the separation from parents can be a significant source of anxiety, so activities and play-dates away from mom and dad can help them build confidence and independence and reduce separation anxiety.

Ultimately, Be Supportive and Patient.

The transition back to school can be an emotional time for both parents and children. Be supportive and patient with your child as they adjust to the new routine. Listen to their concerns, offer encouragement, and celebrate their efforts and achievements. Your positive attitude and reassurance can go a long way in helping them feel confident and secure.

If your child is struggling significantly with the transition and showing signs of anxiety or distress, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Meadowlark clinicians can provide additional support and strategies to help your child cope with the changes. Not to mention, our team is specially trained to identify any potential underlying factors that may be contributing to their challenges.