Hello Love! It’s August and school will soon be in session. Creating a positive back to school experience comes with so many thoughts and feelings. Children are often excited about the opportunity to learn and interact with their friends again. It is easy for children to become excited about the simple things in life. Going back to school can be one of the simple things.
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Children see wonder and adventure all around. It is easy for us as adults to forget what it is like to be a child. We tend to think of children as “mini-adults.” They are not. They are simply children. During the school year, our little humans deal with a variety of challenges. One of the biggest challenges is anxiety. Challenges are not a bad thing. It aids in growth. It is part of our job as parents to prepare our children for their future, to help them grow beyond the limits. We can start this by creating a beautiful experience for going to school.
Set the Tone
2020 was a challenging year. It is a new school year with new opportunities for your child to challenge themselves and to grow.
- Begin discussions now about what a potential school day will resemble.
- Give your child the chance to ask questions.
- Attend meet the teacher nights.
- Help your child gain a clear understanding of school and expectations.
- Reduce anxiety and help them feel more comfortable about what’s to come.
Emphasize Safety
- Gift your child with the preparedness of taking on the school year safely.
- Teach them to be prepared for unexpected things that can happen.
- Flexibility is important. We do not know what tomorrow holds but begin the discussion now.
- Have calm conversations about the rules of safety.
- Be sure they understand safety rules are there to keep them safe.
Create a Routine
Our school mornings tend to feel rushed. We become easily overwhelmed.
- Ease the pressure of a fast-paced morning by getting an early start to your day. Creating a routine in advance helps with anticipated anxiety.
- Practice waking up earlier each day until your family has become more comfortable with the earlier start times.
- Create a morning ritual without the need to feel pressure to be on time each day. Make a morning to-do list for your child. You already know the basics.
- Go one step further and add practicing mediation each morning. Mentally preparing for the day can help you and your child have a more successful day.
Instill Positivity
Your child will follow your excitement or your anguish.
- Be mindful of the conversations that you have with others in their presence about school. If you are thinking negative thoughts, they hear and feel the negativity from you. They will exhibit those same thoughts.
- Cultivate a natural and positive mindset in your child. Connect with your inner child when preparing your children for the school year. Ask yourself, “How would I feel returning to school after a trying year?” Answer this question honestly. Doing so will help you to remember to maintain positive energy when conversing with your child.
Practice Etiquette
We are our child’s first teacher. Showing your children the importance of kindness and acceptance is for their well-being. It begins with you.
- Have the conversation about treating others as they would want to be treated. There will be times they disagree with friends and classmates. It is okay to do so. It is how we respond to those disagreements that help us to grow.
- Teach them the value of having compassion and forgiveness. It is never too early to begin the conversation!
