Avoiding Back to School Blues and Stress for the Entire Family

We often get out of our “routines” during the summertime. Life changes, schedules change, and activities change for many of us. August rolls around before we know it and it’s time to think about the start of school. Approaching the first day of school can sometimes cause increased anxiety. No matter your child’s age, having a plan and transitioning slowly back into the school routine can ease anxiety and stress. Let’s face it … the start of school can be stressful for adults too. A smooth transition helps students and their parents/caregivers alike have a successful kick-start.

Ease the transition back to school with these helpful tips:

Get back to your school sleep schedule. About a week or so before school begins, start decreasing his/her bedtime by half–hour increments until he/she is attaining the proper hours of sleep.
Review the school routine. Discussing in advance what the school day may look like, from pre-drop off through arriving home at the end of the day, will decrease stress with all family members. Knowing what is going to happen, and when, is typically more comforting and tends to decrease anxiety.
Shop in advance. Preparing for most things in life is almost always easier for individuals. Allow your students to participate with you in purchasing the needed school supplies, uniforms, clothing, etc. It facilitates bonding, works to increase communication, and shows your children that you care about their well-being.
New schools. If starting a new school, why not drive by it with your student? If you have a lower school student, maybe even try finding another student or buddy for your child to meet up with on the first day.
School day transportation. If using the school bus, be sure to scope out the bus stops and know the bus schedules. If using other methods of transportation, be sure to have a clearly defined plan for drop off and pick up with your child.
Communicate. What a concept, right?! Let’s talk to our kids! We want to be positive to get them excited about the upcoming school year, but we also want to validate any concerns or fears they may have, and if necessary, help them work through these fears.
The night before. Have your students decide if they are buying or bringing their lunch, prepare it, and pick out their clothes so that the morning goes smoothly. It may be easier for lower school-age children to bring lunch on the first day, whereas it may not impact older students in this manner. Make the last night of summer relaxed and low key.
First morning. Wake up early enough to ensure an easy and low-stress morning for everyone – eat breakfast! Summer is over, and we start the countdown until next summer!

Most of us will settle into the new routine within the first week or so of the school year. If the transition back to school seems unusually stressful for any family member, you may want to talk to someone about it. This can include a guidance counselor, teacher or therapist. Nip it in the bud early on as suppressing fears and anxiety can have a devasting impact on the school year.