Managing Back to School Stress

The lazy hazy days of summer are winding down and that means it’s time to start thinking about going back to school. For some kids and families, this time is an exciting one that they look forward to. For many, it’s a time of stress and adjustment; schedules change, teachers change, classmates differ, kids may transition from elementary school to middle school or high school, there’s added homework responsibilities and back-to-school shopping can all be a challenge.

How can you help?

Parents can help children by providing a setting that fosters resilience and encouraging them to share and express their feelings about returning to school. Attending school orientation programs with your kids can often help ease the fear of the unknown: classmates, teachers, the school building, bus routes, curriculum expectations, etc. Most schools offer these or other kinds of programs to help ease the back-to-school stress that happens this time of year.

In addition, the American Psychological Association offers the following back-to-school tips:

1. Practice the first day of school routine: Getting into a sleep routine before the first week of school will aide in easing the shock of waking up early. Organizing things at home—backpack, binder, lunchbox or cafeteria money—will help make the first morning go smoothly. Having healthy, yet kid-friendly lunches, will keep them energized throughout the day. Also, walking through the building and visiting your child’s locker and classroom will help ease anxiety of the unknown.

2. Get to know your neighbors: If your child is starting a new school, walk around your block and get to know the neighborhood children. Try and set up a play date, or, for an older child, find out where neighborhood kids might go to safely hang out, like the community pool, recreation center or park.

3. Talk to your child: Asking your children about their fears or worries about going back to school will help them share their burden. Inquire as to what they liked about their previous school or grade and see how those positives can be incorporated into their new experience.

4. Empathize with your children: Change can be difficult, but also exciting. Let your children know that you are aware of what they’re going through and that you will be there to help them in the process. Nerves are normal, but highlight that not everything that is different is necessarily bad. It is important to encourage your children to face their fears instead of falling in to the trap of encouraging avoidance.

5. Get involved and ask for help: Knowledge of the school and the community will better equip you to understand your child’s surroundings and the transition he or she is undergoing. Meeting members of your community and school will foster support for both you and your child. If you feel the stress of the school year is too much for you and your child to handle on your own, seeking expert advice from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, will help you better manage and cope.