Easing Back Into School

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Who is getting ready for back-to-school? Here are some tips to help ease your child’s transition from summer to school year routine.

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Change your summer schedules to match your school year schedule now! An abrupt change in your schedule can sometimes be uncomfortable. Make the transition as easy as possible (without pressure) by working out all the kinks now before it’s too late!

​Take some time to talk with your child about their feelings around school starting. Are they excited, sad, and/or nervous? If so, what about? Do they know their teacher and/or have the opportunity to meet their teacher before school starts? Will they be taking the bus this year and/or changing their previous routine from last year? This can help your child process their emotions before experiencing the sudden change.
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Make going back to school exciting! If your child is feeling nervous or upset about school, create opportunities to build the excitement of going back! For example, go shopping and buy some new and fun school supplies. Or, go grocery shopping and pick out some new and healthy snack/lunch options that they are excited to eat and share with friends! 

Photo by stem.T4L on Unsplash

Think about the most difficult part of your routine- is it getting up and ready to go to school? Is it eating lunch? Is it homework? Is it remembering morning routine? Brainstorm with your child about why these tasks are hard and problem solve some strategies together to help make these tasks easier. Perhaps a checklist or visual schedule could help your child with routine.
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Visit a nearby playground and/or your school’s playground before school starts! This can not only increase the excitement around starting school, but it can also help ease any anxiety around new play structures while also building confidence to explore! Bring a school friend along to explore equipment while building social play skills. 

Photo by Jeff Hendricks on Unsplash

Blog written by: Alex Burg, Student Occupational Therapist