Have you noticed the back to school supplies out at stores? If you have seen them, so have your kids and they are probably starting to feel a little anxious about the start of the school year. Of course there are so many things to be excited about, but children need to know that it is normal to feel scared or even a little stressed out. Here are 5 ways that you can combat that back to school anxiety.
Routine
Get back into the school routine – Yes, setting that alarm a little bit earlier in the morning and going to bed earlier at night helps get prepared. But don’t forget to start other routines they may have let slide this summer, such as a nightly routine before bed, or getting up in the morning and making yourself a bowl of cereal.
Visit Teacher
Visit the School & Teacher – Not only can you go visit the school, but you can start talking about what a school schedule may look like and how they can be prepared for that first day.
Relaxation Practice
Practice Relaxation Techniques – Stress and Anxiety is normal, so help your child find a few ways to help them practice how to relax when they become overwhelmed. This may be a few breathing exercises, or a quiet place to sit at school.
Talk and Listen
Open Communication – Create a strong relationship with your child built on trust and understanding. Help them feel comfortable to open up to you about what they might be feeling and why. You can reassure them that what they are feeling is NORMAL.
Social Skills
Build Social Skills – A friendly face can make it a lot less scary. Start calling up those friends you haven’t seen all summer and finally schedule that playdate. Or talk about how to approach a new friend at school.
All of these tips will help your child feel more confident and ready to take on a brand new school year!