Curb back to school anxiety

After months at home, some children may feel anxious about going to school or camp. Here are a few tips to smooth their transition.

• Validate their concerns. Not every kid is old enough or able to verbalize their emotions. Look for behaviors that indicate anxiety, like stomachaches or clinginess.
• Try mindfulness. Make time for calm and suggest ways they can be open to their feelings in the moment.
• Change your routine. Set firmer bedtimes and build moments of quiet into your morning to give them time to settle and prepare.
• Involve their teachers. Ask for recommendations and give them a general heads-up about behaviors that mean your kid is struggling.
• Pace yourself. Don’t talk about school too often or too early. Over-preparation can be stressful, too.

And, of course, emphasize the joy. They get to see their friends again! And they get to come back to a warm, loving home after classes are done.