10 Tips for an Easy Back to School Transition

It's an exciting time for parents, but a potentially daunting one for kids, who are about to use muscles not flexed in months.

New school, new faces, new teachers, new subjects of learning — it can be a lot for anyone, especially kids.

The Back to school season comes with a lot of changes. Whether your child is just starting school or going back after summer vacation, it can be both exciting and stressful.

We want you to know Back-to-school jitters are normal every fall. But we must also acknowledge as families prepare for the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, these run-of-the-mill worries are colliding with fresh uncertainties about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, leaving kids and parents more anxious than usual.

Things have changed a lot because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and going back to school may feel different this year. 

it is discomforting time but part of growing up.

Here are 10 things you can do to help your child during the transition period:

  1. Show love. It sounds simple, but the more your children feel loved by you, the more they will listen to you and learn from you.

  2. Do your best. Your children look to you as a role model, and it is your responsibility to be the best role model they see.

  3. Talk with your children. As a parent, you will need to have difficult conversations with your children. Your natural response may be to slip into lecture mode, which is often ineffective. Talk with your children, not at them

  4. Spend time together. It may not feel like it now, but the eighteen years you get with your kids go by quickly. Be intentional about spending time with your children.

  5. Celebrate every success. Children thrive when praised, so acknowledge the good things your child does.

  6. Admit your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. Don't be embarrassed by your own mistakes; instead, show your children what you learned from your mistake and how they will help you make better decisions in the future.

  7. Keep your promises. It is better to say I will try instead of Yes to your children. Don't make promises you can't keep, but also realize that life happens.

  8. Respect your children. Your children are a reflection of you, but they are not you. They may have different opinions on matters or develop a different belief system. When you respect your children, they will learn to respect others and gain confidence in themselves.

  9. Discipline with love. It is important to build a positive connection with your children when disciplining.

  10. Think positive. The research is detailed. The benefits of positive thinking are one of the greatest contributors to improved health and well-being. When you choose to have a positive attitude, you'll naturally take an optimistic approach to life, which is contagious to others.   

The idea here is not to rescue children from experiencing the discomfort of transitioning back to the school environment but, rather, to support them while they struggle and learn how to cope. 

Parenting is tough. And if you feel like you're not sure your efforts are making a difference, you're not alone.