Back to School: Setting Everyone Up for Success

Summer camps are winding down, and hectic sports schedules are ending. There are some lazier summer days left to enjoy, yet the back-to-school supplies have been in stores for a month now reminding you. Whether your child’s backpack is by the door ready to go, or they are in doom and gloom mode counting down the last days of August, be proactive—make the summer to school transition a success for all parties involved.

Conversation is key. No matter what your summer schedule was like, as a parent, it’s good to acknowledge that the summer months are typically less stressful for your kids. They often start feeling a bit more anxious just knowing school is approaching. There’s no getting around it. The worry may be particularly evident in kids who struggled the year before with anything from school performance to friendships. The start of a school year is a time of change for kids and parents. You can help the whole family by predicting and anticipating that change.  

Normalize those back-to-school jitters. With the calendar turning to August, now is the time to check in with your child. Striking up conversation is just the ticket to see how they are feeling about starting school again. Viaro’s Behavioral Health Specialist, Angie Smith, provides a few conversation starters that will invite your child to engage and participate as they look ahead to a new school year. 

What do you think we can do to have a good start to the school year? Get your child thinking about how they can be successful. Put the focus on the positive instead of any negative experiences from the past. Encourage your child to take more personal responsibility for their successes and failures so they can learn from them.  

What are some goals you have for the school year? You may get answers ranging from excitement your child has about extracurricular activities, the need to focus more on a particular subject, or meeting new friends. You may also receive a surprise and find your child is thinking about areas you never considered! 

Are there some routine and schedule changes that we should make this year? Each new school year brings with it new school subjects and new teacher expectations. More time may be needed for homework, music practice, or after-school activities. Provide your child with the opportunity to be part of this discussion. Allow them the chance to think things through instead of being told what is going to happen. 

Don’t forget the zzzzzzs. Summer often comes with different sleeping schedules. Plan ahead and let your child know a more routine bedtime schedule comes with the start of the school year. Have them be a part of their own bedtime ritual. 

You are your child’s first and most important role model. It’s ok to let your child know that you get stressed and anxious too. Anxiety is your body’s way of saying you are out of balance. Your child is watching how you handle stress and work on balance. Share some coping strategies that you find helpful – going for a walk, reading a book, hanging out with friends, or doing meditation.  

Look on the bright side. It’s not always easy being a kid. And for that matter, it’s not always easy being a parent. By starting some simple conversations, you can help your child feel equipped to return to school mentally strong and able to successfully face whatever arises. Be a positive role mode. Put in the effort. It’s worth it! 

Heidi Kutz 

Education Specialist, ViaroHealth 

For questions or comments, contact wellness@viarohealth.com 

Enjoy this additional resource recommended by Angie Smith: 

How to Help Children Do Well in School - Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids (childmind.org)