Returning to School With Confidence

As summer begins to wind down, we begin preparing our young ones to return to school, and as we know, each year brings its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. Children can often have issues with establishing new routines due to the freedom of summer coming to an end, and a more structured day-to-day schedule becoming more prevalent. Preparing for emotional challenges is another thing to keep in mind, as the changes in both schooling and social structures can have varied effects on each child. It’s crucial to recognize that each child handles these pressures differently, but planning ahead can ease the stress and help our children start the new year strong.

Here is a list of tips that can ensure a smooth and successful return to school:

1.        Plan Ahead as a Family

Take some time to talk with your children about what to expect. Sharing your own experiences and feelings about your journey through elementary school could be comforting to a child who doesn’t know what lies ahead. Knowing that their feelings of anxiety are normal can be reassuring and boost their confidence.

2.        Ease Back into Routines

Gradually begin adjusting to structured bedtimes and wake-up times weeks ahead in order to solidify a good sleep schedule. Pick out clothes for the next day, decide what’s for lunch, and start building the foundational habits of staying in a consistent morning routine. This will lower the overall stress of a rushed morning.

3.        Reinforce Good Hygiene Habits

Not all classroom-spread illnesses are avoidable. However, teaching and reinforcing handwashing before meals, after bathroom use, and when returning home normalizes the importance of basic health safety. This can be a good opportunity to talk about what it means to stay home when feeling sick and why it’s important. 

4.        Visit the School

Drive by, play on the playground, or visit the website and social media to become more familiar with the school. Familiarity with the space makes the first day less intimidating, especially for younger students. 

5.        Cultivate Emotional Readiness

·      Elementary School: Discuss with your child how they may feel about spending the whole day at school and being away from you and the home. Use this as an opportunity to reassure them with details about their school, classroom, and their teacher.

·     Middle-school: Start a dialogue about the shift from elementary to middle school. This change comes with its own academic expectations and social challenges. Always assure our children that they are not going through any of these issues alone. 

6.        Build Academic Habits Early

·      Encourage daily reading by making it a part of your child’s daily routine. Spend some time together by sharing a book or have them read to a sibling or a pet. This is a great opportunity to visit the local library and let your child discover potential interests. 

·      Incorporate math into everyday activities in order to practice more naturally. Activities like cooking or fun games can help build confidence in the subject. 

7.        Resetting Mealtime and Snack Habits

While cookouts and bonfires over the summer can host a bounty of savory snacks and sweet treats, as we approach the school year, it’s time to pivot to lighter, healthier snacks. This helps to keep our children’s minds focused and energized throughout the day. 

8.        Encourage Self-Care and Support Systems

Reinforce ways your child can manage emotions and handle challenges calmly. Make sure they know who they can turn to at school, whether it be a teacher, counselor, or a nurse. Support systems are integral to the developing mind of a child. Remember, the best way to teach self-care is to model it yourself!

Keep in mind that this is only the beginning of your child’s journey through this school year and that it's equally important to stay involved with them through their experience. Check in with them through the school year. Ask them about what they’re enjoying, or what may be bothering them. These conversations keep you connected and help your child feel supported and seen. 

Just as you are encouraged to help your child build emotional readiness and routine, our New Roots mentors help reinforce self-worth and resilience in students through one-on-one connections and group settings. Our goal is to remind our young students that they are valued, heard, and understood. 

Enjoy the rest of your summer! Always make time for moments that you’ll remember forever, and use these last few weeks of summer as a chance to bond and recharge before the school year begins. With some preparation and patience, we know you and your child will head into this school year feeling confident and ready.