10 Ways to Calm Your Kid’s Back-to-School Jitters

Becky Harlan

Mind Shift

Aug 12

In her article “10 Ways to Calm Your Kid’s Back-to-School Jitters,” Becky Harlan compiles expert advice on easing the anxiety that often accompanies the start of a new school year. As students face new teachers, classmates, and routines, both they and their caregivers can experience stress. To help with this transition, Harlan offers ten strategies from educators, pediatricians, and child development specialists.

One key recommendation is adjusting your child’s sleep schedule. Dr. Nilong Vyas suggests shifting bedtime and wake-up times by 15-minute increments over a couple of weeks before school starts to help children adapt. Alongside this, early childhood literacy consultant Keisha Siriboe advises gradually reintroducing structure into daily routines, such as incorporating educational activities like reading or puzzles.

Addressing children’s emotions is also crucial. Pediatric psychologist Leah Orchinik encourages acknowledging and naming emotions, which helps children feel more in control. Additionally, Mallory Mbalia from Fred Rogers Productions recommends preparing children for what to expect by discussing new routines and reminding them that “grown-ups come back” at the end of the school day.

Orchinik also emphasizes the importance of discussing potential challenges ahead of time. For example, if a child is worried about getting lost in a new school, parents can help them create a plan, boosting their confidence. Jeanette Betancourt from Sesame Workshop suggests creating a special goodbye ritual, which can turn morning separations into cherished memories.

Vanessa Lapointe, author of Discipline without Damage, highlights the importance of connection, advising parents to spend quality time with their children before and after school. This connection helps prevent after-school meltdowns that may result from feeling emotionally depleted.

In today’s tech-driven world, Leah Plunkett, author of Sharenthood, reminds parents to ensure that children know how to navigate the world without relying on technology, such as knowing how to seek help if approached by a stranger. Thomas Lickona, author of How to Raise Kind Kids, suggests regular conversations about family or classroom conflicts, making children active participants in problem-solving.

Finally, first-grade teacher Jarod Renford advocates for daily affirmations, such as leaving encouraging notes in lunchboxes or on desks, which help boost a child’s confidence and sense of security.

These expert tips provide valuable guidance for parents to help their children start the school year with confidence and calm, making the transition smoother for everyone involved.

Source: Becky Harlan, "10 Ways to Calm Your Kid’s Back-to-School Jitters," ....

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com