Back to School Tips for Parents with Young Kids

The “back to school” anticipation is in full swing! Along with excitement for this change, it can also cause a little bit of worry for young children. Check out the list of tips to help prepare your kids to be ready for the new school year

1. Validate Your Child’s Anxiety

Kids can create many worries regarding their new teacher, subjects to study, where to sit at lunch, homework load, and so much more. It is important as a parent to validate these worries with your kids so that they know you are supportive. Let them know that it is okay to be nervous!

2. Re-Focus Their Worries

By trying to re-focus these worries, you can help your children realize all the elements of school that are positive. For instance, you can remind them of their friend from last year who will be in class with them or about the new playground at school.

3. Be Flexible

Try to make some time after school to fully devote to your child. Leave work at the office and be sure to give them so extra attention during the first few weeks of the school year. Your presence alone can help quell some of their anxieties.

4. Let them Rest

Sometimes we underestimate the power of sufficient sleep, but this will help your kids with the energy they need throughout the school week.  Not only this, but be sure they are up early enough in the morning to eat a proper breakfast.

5. Make a List

It can be hard and stressful for kids to remember everything for school, like the bus schedule or classroom number. Consider laminating a notecard with useful information to help alleviate their stress! They can keep it safe in their backpack for easy access.