Back to School: A Parent's Guide to a Smooth Transition
As the new school year approaches, preparing your child for the transition back to school can make a significant difference in their experience.
Here are some practical tips and strategies to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable start for your child.
“New-to-School” Kiddos
Is this your child’s very first time attending school? If so, this is an exciting time for children and parents alike! Below are some tips on how to make this new experience go as smoothly as possible ☺.
1. Playful Preparation
Integrate School Concepts into Play:
Use your child's interests to introduce school concepts. For example, set up a baby doll or dinosaur preschool to make learning fun.
Engage your child in school-themed art projects, such as drawing a picture of their classroom or making a craft that represents their school. This can help them visualize and get excited about their new environment
Let your child use real school supplies such as backpacks, lunchboxes, and notebooks in their play. They can pack and unpack their backpack, practice opening their lunchbox, and "write" in their notebooks. This can make the actual school experience feel less intimidating.
2. Countdown to School
Create a Visual Countdown:
Make a countdown calendar using small rocks, figurines, or paper chains to build anticipation.
Add fun surprises like stickers or notes with positive school memories to keep excitement levels high.
3. Handling Separation Anxiety
Recognize Signs of Anxiety:
Be aware of stalling, sleep disruptions, or physical symptoms that may indicate anxiety.
Reassure your child about their safety and validate their feelings (tip; help your littles get familiar with labelling their emotions and model this for them at home).
Use Separation Strategies:
Give your child a special token or create a goodbye handshake.
Ask teachers for assistance if needed, and always say a proper goodbye instead of sneaking out.
Practice positive self-talk with your child, i.e... “This feels hard, but I know I can do hard things”, “Today is going to be a great day, I know that I’m brave”.
4. Practice the Basics
Focus on Essential Skills:
Ensure your child can manage tasks like opening their lunchbox, using a drink bottle, removing their jumper, and using the toilet independently.
Practice these skills at home to build confidence and prevent overwhelm at school.
5. After-School Meltdowns (this can happen with kids of all ages!)
Expect Emotional Outbursts:
Understand that after-school meltdowns are common as children decompress from the day's stresses.
Create a loving and safe environment where your child can express their feelings.
Use Playful Transitions:
Help your child transition from school to home with playful activities and specific questions about their day (i.e. what was the best part of your day, why was that the best part, how did you feel doing XYZ).
“Returning-to-school” Kiddos
1. Incorporating Fun
Maintain Fun Routines:
Balance the structure of school with fun routines, like occasional hot chocolate dates, to keep the transition enjoyable for both you and your child.
2. Let Them Play
Play as Learning:
Engaging in play enhances problem-solving abilities, which helps children feel more capable and ready to face new challenges.
Through play, children also learn social skills like sharing, taking turns, and handling winning and losing.
Practical Example:
Play games like UNO, where they can experience losing in a supportive environment to build resilience.
3. Talk Less, Listen More
Avoid Adding Pressure:
Avoid comparing your child’s feelings or readiness to those of siblings or peers. Every child’s experience and timeline are unique.
Listen to their concerns and validate their feelings about starting school.
Encouragement:
Use open-ended questions and develop strategies together to ease their nerves, such as connection rituals and discussing with their teacher.
4. Prepare Yourself for the Ups and Downs
Expect a Longer Adjustment:
Understand that adjusting to school might take longer than a couple of weeks.
Be patient and supportive as your child learns the rules, makes friends, and adapts to the school environment.
By focusing on these key points, you can help your child feel more empowered, confident, and prepared for the new school year, making the transition smoother for the entire family. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's transition back to school, feel free to contact one of the social workers/psychotherapists at wellbe ☺.
This post was written by wellbe’s registered social worker + psychotherapist, Julia Falzarano. If you are in need of support, you can book an in-person or virtual visit with our social workers here.