Whether it\u2019s your child\u2019s first day of kindergarten or the start of middle school, back-to-school season can bring a range of feelings \u2013 from worry to excitement \u2013 for the entire family. This year may be more emotional as many families spent the better part of the past two school years at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important to remember that even in the best of times, it\u2019s normal for children to express feelings of sadness, isolation or stress,\u201d said Tyreca Elliott, from KinderCare Learning Centers\u2019 inclusion services team. \u201cLearning how to address those feelings helps us build self-confidence, resilience and independence. What\u2019s important is the way adults respond to children\u2019s stress. Offering comfort, reassurance and assisting with problem solving will help children learn and grow from stress in a positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an added bonus, Elliott said many of the most effective ways to help children learn to navigate their feelings work just as well with adults. Consider these three tips to help your children (and yourself) manage emotions during the transition back to school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Plan ahead:<\/strong> The fear of the unknown can be stressful. Children who aren\u2019t able to clearly articulate their feelings likely won\u2019t be able to make the connection between new, uncertain situations \u2013 like going to school and being around other people \u2013 and their feelings. Instead they may become overwhelmed by emotions, which might look like more meltdowns, clinginess or a variety of other behaviors. Talk with your children about how they feel about going back to school ahead of the first day of class. Ask questions to help them determine why they feel particular feelings when they think about school then work together to solve potential issues. That could mean finding a way to meet your children\u2019s teachers ahead of time, whether virtually or in-person, or practicing introducing themselves to classmates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Build a consistent routine:<\/strong> Routines can give children (and adults) a sense of security and structure, which in turn make it easier to cope with big emotions like stress and anxiety. Try to stay consistent, and if you need to make adjustments, talk them through with your children. Be sure to mention key milestones instead of times, particularly if they can\u2019t tell time yet. Make sure your children have opportunities to ask questions about any changes to routines. They may need reassurance before they\u2019re ready to face something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Create special family moments:<\/strong> As important as routine is, it\u2019s just as important to prioritize quality time together. That could mean a vacation or something as simple as Saturday bike rides or Sunday morning pancakes. Plan a family outing or special time together to celebrate completing the first week of school. Family rituals and celebrations can give children and adults something to look forward to. Quality time together also helps families build resiliency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n