The first days of school can bring about many mixed feelings. It’s a stressful time not only for the student, but also for parents and staff. Kindergartners preparing for their first day of separation from parents can be traumatic. Teacher anticipation, in addition to anxiety from new and returning students, all can lead to heightened emotions. During these days, it is not uncommon to witness temper tantrums, defiant behavior, and tear-stained eyes. Transition can be hard, even for the more seasoned students, and they need help in engaging and processing their emotions. This can make the difference in whether the transition period lasts a few days or a few weeks.
Escorting younger students to school during the first days can be both good and bad. Parents of kindergartners often don’t realize that much of their anxiety and fears are passed to their children in an attempt to soothe them; although the end result is far from that. When children visually see their parents upset, they can interpret this as a sign that school is an unsafe place. Parents should know that a counselor/s is on hand to handle these situations as they occur. What can be helpful to students is preparing them days or weeks before. Parents and students can benefit from having a conversation about what short-term separation will look like and doing a practice run at the school prior to the first day of school. Below you will find some helpful tips from the American Psychological Association that may help in easing your child into the transition from home to school. Remember children look to you for their strength and support. If you put on a brave face, in many instances so will your child.
1. Practice the first-day-of-school routine.
Getting into a sleep routine before the first week of school will aide in easing the shock of waking up early. Organizing things at home in a backpack, binder, or lunch box will help make the first morning go smoothly. Also, walking through the building and visiting your child’s locker and classroom will help ease anxiety of the unknown.
2. Talk to your child.
Asking your children about their fears or worries about going back to school will help them share their burden. Inquire as to what they liked about their previous school or grade and see how those positives can be incorporated into their new experience.
3. Empathize with your child.
Change can be difficult, but also exciting. Let your child know that you are aware of what they’re going through and that you will be there to help them in the process. Nerves are normal, but highlight that not everything that is different is necessarily bad. It is important to encourage your children to face their fears instead of falling into the trap of encouraging avoidance.
4. Get involved and ask for help.
Knowledge of the school and the community will better equip you to understand your child’s surroundings and the transition he or she is undergoing. If all else fails, seek professional support.
