Back To School: How to Support Your Child
Hello and welcome, Chickadee Chatter Families! We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer spent with family and friends. There are so many things that make summertime special; longer days with lots of sunlight, a break from school, time spent outside, rest and relaxation, and maybe even a trip or vacation!
Now, as August ends, we are preparing for a big transition: back to school.
What an exciting time of year! Your child might be looking forward to new teachers, new and old friends, or riding the bus. Your child may also be nervous about all of these new experiences. Either way, we are here to help. Here are some ideas on how to support your child as they transition from summertime to back-to-school.
Be sure to check out our downloadable resources at the end of this post!
1. Create routine and structure when you can
Change is hard for little ones! Creating predictable routines can help children cope with the changes and expectations that come with a new school year. When kids know what to expect, it can help them feel calm and regulated. Creating routines can look like:
Having homework, dinner, relaxation time, and bed time at the same time each night.
Doing things in the same order each night
Creating a visual schedule to help young children anticipate what will come next
Keeping backpacks, jackets, and other school supplies in the same spot so they are easy to find.
2. Anticipate the after-school crash
Your child is likely the most comfortable and regulated when they are home with you. This is because no one knows them or loves them better than you! When kids spend a whole day at school, it might feel exhausting for them to “keep it together” all day.
Think about all of the different rules and expectations of a school day: listening to lessons, raising your hand to speak, sharing with peers, sitting at a desk, lining up, and more! This is all in addition to the hard work and learning that kids do every day! It’s no wonder your child might come home tired, hungry, and ready for a rest!
Tips for the After-School Crash:
Have a quick and easy snack available
Allow 10-15 minutes of quiet time before asking questions about their day (you might get better answers this way!)
Let your kids know it’s okay to have “quiet time” or “decompression time” after a busy day. You can build this time into your afternoon routine!
Offer outside play if your child is seeking movement after a long school day.
Model regulating behaviors, if needed. This can look like deep breaths to calm down, stretching, running to release built-up energy, or talking about how you’re feeling!
3.Supporting Your Child When They Miss You
Again, you are your child’s best source of comfort and love. They might miss you while they are away at school! Here are some tips for supporting your child if they are struggling to separate from you when they leave for school.
Talk about drop-off and pick-up routines. Explain how they will go to school and how they will get home. Tell them exactly when they can expect to see you again!
Example: Tomorrow, you will get on the bus to go to school. When school is done, you will get on the bus to come home. I will be waiting at the bus stop for you!
Talk with your child when they are feeling regulated. If they are already upset about leaving you, it will be harder for them to understand your reassurance. If your child becomes sad in the morning, try talking to them the night before.
Create a social story to help your child understand what will happen in their day.
*See below for a sample social story!
Check out The Kissing Hand, a great story about going to school for the first time and missing family.
Thank you for being part of our Flock here at Chickadee Chatter! We hope you found these tips helpful. Wishing you and your family a wonderful start to the school year!
