3,2,1… Back to School!
How do you help your child make the transition without breaking a sweat?
CURRENT AFFAIRS
The long and relaxing summer break has come to an end. And now, back-to-school season is in full swing! It's time to say goodbye to late bedtimes and endless play and hello to the new academic year.
As your little one climbs one step higher on the ladder of education, your chest swells with pride. And, of course, everything on the list in preparation for the school start has been ticked off. School bag. Check. School supplies. Check. Water bottle. Check. New clothes. Check. Shoes. Check. Nervousness... uh…Check?!
From the beach to the classroom
The transition can bring up a lot of different emotions. Some children are thrilled. Some aren't ready for the summer fun to end.
Here's the thing: A new start often signals new changes, new routines, and even meeting new people. And as humans, we tend to be wary about the unknown. So, as a new school year begins, children may worry about having new teachers, classmates, timetables, and the demands they'll face academically and socially.
And what if your child is going to school for the first time or even starting at a completely new school? It's even more overwhelming for them.
Young children are cautious of strangers and want to be near their parents and the other people whom they know and trust. Plus, they've never really been in such a structured environment before. So, they don't know what to expect or what's expected of them.
Young kids, as well as those who are very sensitive, easily worried, neurodivergent, or have some developmental delays, may need some more time to adjust.
"When there's a sudden shift in routines and expectations, children can get overwhelmed."
To put it simply, going from laid-back summer days to a more rigid school schedule can be a tough transition. Plus, every year brings more responsibilities and expectations.
And it's not only about the nervous excitement of the initial phase. Once the novelty has worn off and things feel more familiar, some children may show some challenging behaviours and emotions about school. (Does "I really don't want to go to school today" ring a bell?).
Of course, we can't generalise. However, many children do feel anxious and overwhelmed. And then they just don't want to go to school. Experts call this behaviour' school refusal', and there's evidence that it occurs in 1-5% of all school children. It peaks between the ages of 5-11.
If you feel your child is exhibiting 'school refusal', it's best to have a talk with their teacher. And if things don't improve, you might need to seek help from a professional.
Still, you can rest assured that it won't last forever. Your little one will be all grown up in the blink of an eye, you know!
Connect to release…
… your children from the anxiety of the first day of school.
As parents, step one to help your children sail smoothly into the new school year is to understand how they’re feeling. Really connect with them and try to understand what could be making them anxious. At the same time, try to build a positive relationship with them.
Studies show that when the relationship between children and the adults in their lives is positive, it helps them become more comfortable with their surroundings and learn better.
So go ahead and connect with them! Talk to them, and while you do, tune in to their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Answer their questions!
What else can you do to make the transition easier?
Remember, your child is unique, and what works for someone else may not work for them. So, tailor your approach based on their individual needs, and of course, remember that you’re their biggest cheerleader– giving them the love and support they need to thrive academically and socially.
So here are some other tips to consider:
Practice makes perfect. Remember?
So, practise getting into the routine of waking up early and getting ready a few days before school starts so that they can get into the groove.
Get enough sleep
Make sure they get the right amount of sleep based on their age and stage of development. Plenty of studies have shown the way of lack of sleep negatively impacts children’s grades as well as their physical and mental health. A well-rested child is also less likely to be cranky.
Eat right
And make sure you don’t skip breakfast. A healthy, protein-rich breakfast gives children the much-needed fuel they need to start their day off right. Keep in mind that a hungry child won’t be a happy child.
Friendship is life for kids
Having friends in the same environment can help your child look forward to the time they spend at school. So, as school approaches, set up playdates with their school friends so that they can reconnect and rekindle friendships before the start of the school year. This will help them ease their worries to some extent and also strengthen their friendships.
Know what to expect
Talk with your child about their new teacher, old and new friends, schedule, and upcoming routines. Let them choose their own school supplies. Also, if possible, visit the school or classrooms beforehand so that the children have an idea of their future surroundings.
Keep calm
Plan your day in a way that gives your family extra time in the morning so you aren’t rushed or anxious. If a child feels rushed right at the start of the day, they’re likely to feel less prepared for the rest of it. It can also help to teach kids to take deep breaths to calm themselves down.
And don’t forget to take a deep breath yourself too. Every child feels differently about the start of the school year. But as a parent, you wouldn’t want to make the start of the school year a bigger deal than it has to be. Read your child’s emotions and follow their cues.
And last but not the least…
Communicate
Keep the lines of communication open not only with your child but also with their teachers and the school as well. Maybe you’re noticing some behaviours at home that the teacher doesn’t see at school. The reverse is also possible. So, have regular discussions so that any issues can be addressed and resolved early on.
And don’t forget that every child’s journey is unique. Through the right approach and by giving them your support, you can make the transition from the carefree days of summer to the structure of a classroom smoother and more enjoyable.
Sources:
-Hemmeter, M.L., Ostrosky, M.M. et. al. (2012).Preventing and Addressing Challenging Behavior: Common Questions and Practical Strategies. Young Exceptional Children.
-Pelaez, M & Novak,G. (2020).Returning to School: Separation Problems and Anxiety in the Age of Pandemics. Behavior Analysis in Practice.
-Sewell J. (2008). School Refusal. Australian Family Physician.
