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20 Back to School Tips For Parents
As both a psychologist and a mother of two young children, I understand the mixed emotions that come with the back-to-school season.
My name is Dr. Lewitzke, and I am the Clinic Director at Bright Pine Behavioral Health, where we specialize in psychological testing and therapy services.
With my four-year-old and six-year-old preparing for their own academic adventures, I am not just a professional navigating these transitions with my clients, but also a parent experiencing the same journey firsthand. The anticipation, excitement, and occasional anxiety that accompany this time of year are familiar to me both personally and professionally.
Drawing from my experiences at home and at the clinic, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help parents ensure a smooth and positive back-to-school transition for their children.
Here are twenty practical, evidence-based tips that will not only ease your child’s return to the classroom but also support their emotional and psychological well-being throughout the school year.
20 Evidence-Based Tips to Ensure a Smooth Back-to-School Transition for Your Child
- Establish a Routine Early: Studies show that consistent routines help regulate children’s sleep patterns, which in turn improves cognitive function and mood. By starting a regular bedtime and wake-up schedule a few weeks before school starts, children can adjust gradually, leading to better sleep. Improved sleep contributes to better attention, behavior, and learning in school. Products like sleep training clocks, such as the OK to Wake Clock, and bedtime storybooks like “Goodnight Moon” can assist in establishing a calming bedtime routine.
- Create a Positive Mindset: Positive reinforcement and framing help reduce anxiety and foster a growth mindset. Talking positively about the upcoming school year, highlighting exciting aspects such as new friends and activities, sets a tone of enthusiasm and curiosity. This approach encourages children to look forward to school rather than dread it, which can significantly reduce back-to-school anxiety. Books like “The Kissing Hand” can help younger children feel more secure about starting school.
- Involve Your Child in Preparations: Allowing children to participate in picking out their school supplies and clothes fosters a sense of ownership and excitement. This involvement makes them feel more in control and invested in the process. Research shows that children who feel a sense of control and autonomy are more motivated and engaged. Products like personalized backpacks and school supplies can enhance this sense of ownership.
- Visit the School: Familiarizing your child with their school environment before the first day can significantly reduce anxiety. Studies indicate that exposure to new settings before they become stressful situations helps in acclimatization and reduces fear of the unknown. Taking a school tour or attending an open house helps children visualize their new routine. Schools often provide welcome kits or maps which can be useful tools.
- Meet the Teacher: Building a relationship with your child’s teacher before the school year starts helps in setting a positive tone for collaboration. Research supports that strong parent-teacher relationships lead to better academic and behavioral outcomes for students. Scheduling a meeting or attending meet-the-teacher events can help. Some schools use communication apps like ClassDojo to keep parents informed and involved.
- Discuss Expectations: Clear communication about what to expect during the school day helps children feel prepared and reduces uncertainty. Discussing new routines and academic responsibilities allows children to mentally prepare for changes. Books and resources on starting school, like “First Day Jitters,” can be helpful in framing these discussions.
- Organize a Study Space: Creating a dedicated, distraction-free area at home for homework and studying promotes good habits. Research shows that a consistent study environment can improve focus and productivity. A well-organized space with necessary supplies, like a desk with good lighting and storage solutions from brands like IKEA, can make a significant difference.
- Set Goals Together: Helping your child set realistic academic and personal goals encourages motivation and focus. Goal-setting theory suggests that specific and challenging goals enhance performance. Use tools like planners or goal-setting journals, such as those from Erin Condren, to track progress and celebrate achievements.
- Encourage Open Communication: Fostering an environment where your child feels comfortable discussing their feelings and experiences about school can alleviate stress. Open communication is linked to better emotional regulation and problem-solving skills in children. Regular check-ins and using emotion cards or journals, like the “Big Life Journal,” can facilitate these conversations.
- Stay Informed: Keeping up with school communications and staying involved in your child’s education is crucial. Parental involvement is associated with higher academic achievement and better school behavior. Utilize school newsletters, websites, and apps like Remind to stay updated on school events and your child’s progress.
- Promote Healthy Habits: Ensuring your child gets adequate sleep, nutrition, and physical activity supports their overall well-being. Healthy habits are linked to improved academic performance and behavior. Products like lunchboxes with compartments for balanced meals, activity trackers for kids, and water bottles to stay hydrated can encourage these habits.
- Teach Time Management: Developing time management skills helps children balance their responsibilities effectively. Research shows that good time management is associated with higher academic achievement. Tools like planners, time management apps (e.g., MyHomework), and visual timers can help children organize their time.
- Monitor Screen Time: Setting limits on screen time ensures it doesn’t interfere with sleep, homework, or family interactions. Excessive screen time is linked to poor sleep and academic performance. Use apps like Circle or parental control features on devices to manage screen time effectively.
- Build a Support Network: Connecting with other parents and establishing a support network provides a sense of community and shared resources. Research indicates that social support improves coping skills and reduces stress. Joining parent-teacher associations (PTAs) or community groups can facilitate these connections.
- Address Anxiety: Being attentive to signs of anxiety or stress and providing reassurance can help children feel more secure. Anxiety can impact academic performance and social interactions if not addressed. Books like “What to Do When You Worry Too Much” and mindfulness apps like Headspace for Kids can provide strategies to manage anxiety.
- Encourage Independence: Gradually giving your child more responsibilities builds confidence and self-efficacy. Encouraging independence is linked to better problem-solving skills and academic success. Start with simple tasks like packing their lunch or organizing their school bag. Products like chore charts and organizational tools can support this process.
- Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledging and celebrating small achievements and milestones boosts self-esteem and motivation. Positive reinforcement enhances a child’s sense of accomplishment and encourages continued effort. Reward systems like sticker charts or apps like ClassDojo can help track and celebrate progress.
- Stay Flexible: Being prepared to adjust routines and expectations is important, recognizing that each child adapts differently to new situations. Flexibility in parenting is associated with better child outcomes, including adaptability and resilience. Tools like visual schedules and flexibility in planning can help accommodate changes.
- Model Positive Behavior: Demonstrating a positive attitude towards education and learning influences children’s behaviors and attitudes. Parents who model enthusiasm for learning and education often have children who value and enjoy school. Engaging in learning activities together, such as reading or educational games, can reinforce this behavior.
- Prioritize Emotional Well-being: Ensuring your child knows that their emotional health is a priority fosters a supportive environment. Emotional well-being is crucial for academic success and overall development. Resources like emotion regulation tools, mindfulness activities, and books on emotional intelligence, such as “The Whole-Brain Child,” can support this focus.
As the new school year approaches, remember that a smooth transition is about more than just academic preparation; it’s about fostering an environment where your child feels supported, motivated, and confident.
By implementing these evidence-based tips, you can help your child adjust to the new routines and challenges with ease and enthusiasm. From establishing consistent routines to promoting healthy habits and encouraging open communication, each step you take contributes to a positive and successful school experience.
At Bright Pine Behavioral Health, we understand the unique challenges that come with parenting and education, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Embrace this opportunity to connect with your child, celebrate their achievements, and create a foundation for lifelong learning and emotional well-being. Here’s to a fantastic and fulfilling school year ahead!