If thinking about the start of the school year sends your head spinning, you are not alone. In this guest essay in the CATCH Journal, School Psychologist Zoe Novak from Deerfield’s Wilmot Elementary School offers some advice to make the upcoming days easier for parents and students.
The beginning of any school year brings about a mix of emotions from excitement and anticipation to anxiety and fear. It is hard to predict what the school year will look like, but there are some things we can do to support our families to best prepare for the transition.
Of course, we worry about the loss of academic skills due to the pandemic. However, it’s important to recognize what our children endured this past year and give them some down time. In order for kids to learn, they must first feel Safe, Secure, and Supported. Without those three Ss, learning is very challenging. Focus your energy on structure and routine. The new school year naturally brings about enough anxiety and stress for students. The learning will come.
Children (and families) thrive off of structure. A few weeks prior to the start of the school year, start reintroducing night time routines and bedtimes. Predictable routines help children feel safe and secure, reducing anxiety. Develop the routine with your child to give them some say in the nightly routine. Likewise, start thinking about a morning routine and what that will look like for your family. Make a list or take a picture of your child with all of their needed materials so that they can independently remember everything they need for school (backpack, lunch, water, device). Looking at a picture helps some children remember items better than reading lists.
Establish a routine for after school. This includes determining how your child is getting home and what the after school routine should look like. If your child’s after school pick-up schedule is different day-to-day, make a little luggage tag to put on their backpack (i.e. car, walk, bus). Have your child put the tag on the night before to promote independence. Invite your child into the discussion to determine what afternoon routine works best. This might include downtime, or a snack after school, or completing homework right away.
The first day of school often adds a layer of chaos to families. As much as you prepare for everything the night before, getting out the door is a different story. To reduce that first-day stress, take “First Day” pictures in front of the school or house a few days early. School buildings are loud and busy that first day so to reduce the stress on you and your child, get those pictures out of the way in advance.
Finally, go easy on yourself and your children. For many, it’s not just the kids going back to school. Many parents are returning to in-person work as well. Your children will model your behavior and emotions. When you remain cool and calm, it supports a smooth transition back to school!
Zoe Novak, a mom of three, holds a masters degree of education and an educational specialist degree. She is entering her 14th year as a school psychologist, having worked in both middle school and elementary school settings.
