What’s it like for children to go back to school each year?

Well, imagine the mix of emotions adults experience when going through a job change.

Beginning another school year is very similar to starting a new position or transferring to a new company. There’s a new boss or teacher, different expectations, and a more difficult workload.

And while we may know some of our co-workers, there will also be new unfamiliar faces and there’s no guarantee that we’ll share a desk or workspace with our best friends.

So it’s understandable that our children may feel nervous about starting yet another new school year. But with a few easy steps we can help our children prepare for school mentally and physically.

1. Appear confident and play the part

Our relationship with our kids has a huge effect on them and their state of mind. So it’s imperative that we don’t act overly stressed about their return to school. Parental attitude is absolutely vital in terms of calming a child.

2. It’s never to early

Allow your kids enough time to switch gears and change from their relaxed summer mode to their new school schedule. It’s wise to re-establish a school week routine about two weeks ahead of time.

Ramp up bedtimes in small increments over a three week period waking the kids up earlier each morning. Alarm clocks are usual tools when retraining a child’s internal body clock. It feels more natural when done slowly over an extended period of time.

Get meals back in check and make sure children are getting plenty of healthy foods, including proteins, fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

3. You gotta walk the walk and talk the talk

Begin the new routine before school actually starts. Familiarize your students with the new school routine by practicing the walk to school, to the bus stop and investigate the car pool set up. Point out landmarks along the way so that it’s not so unfamiliar. Enjoy a relaxing day playing on the school playground. And be sure to take advantage of back-to-school activities such as an orientation and meet the teacher.

Once you know who is in your child’s class, set up some play dates or meet at the park so your child knows some familiar, friendly faces. Many schools help parents organize summer play dates, particularly in kindergarten, so kids can get to know classmates before the first day.

Talk about it. Explain what the first day of school will look like. Share stories and books that discuss starting a new school year. The more a child knows about what he or she can expect, the less anxiety they feel about the new situation

4. A flashy new backpack and a full pencil box

Finally, don’t discount the tried and true routine of back-to-school shopping. The school supplies set the stage for our kids. 
Shopping for supplies should be fun, but it doesn’t have to be extravagant.

There’s just something magical and anticipatory about having a flashy new backpack and a full pencil box of freshly sharpened pencils and smooth notebooks.

Buy each child a new outfit and then don’t let them wear it before school starts so it doesn’t lose its appeal and special-ness.

5. Don’t overplay the importance of a fresh start

They are over rated! We tend to overdo them. And while a new school year may seem like a perfect time to clean, sort, purge and set new rules for family life, it really isn’t the time.

While change is good, the timing requires reflection and some finesse. Too much change too soon can make even the most cooperative child overwhelmed. Focus your time and attention on the start of school, and revisit the other issues after your kids feel more settled.

Ease your child back into the school year routines gradually and with lots of hugs, smiles and encouragement and they will be off to a fabulous Fall start.