Tips To Get Your Child Emotionally Ready To Go Back To School

With summer vacations coming to an end, it's time for children to head back to school. For children, a school is not just a centre of learning, but also a place for socialising and recreation. So, while the thought of going back to school after a long vacation may seem exciting to many, others may not be that eager. They may feel worried and anxious.

In the article, 'Back to school: A psychologist's tips to ease the journey', by Nathalie Fernbach, psychologist Dr. Joann Lukins says that many emotions around returning to school stem from the fear of change. According to Dr. Lukins, "Change is something that humans typically react to ... we don't always love change when it comes along."

If you are the parent of one such reluctant child, here are a few tips to help you prepare them emotionally for the change so that they return to school in a cheerful mood.

Talk to your child about going back to school: Ask your child how they feel about the new year at school. Encourage them to share all their mixed feelings about a new classroom, teachers, and studies, what to expect, what they look forward to, and what they may dread. Share some of your back-to-school stories, the ups and downs you experienced. It will help normalize your child's experiences. Remember, change is stressful, not only for adults but for children as well.

Re-establish regular bedtime routine: Vacations are a time to relax and have fun, but getting back to the school routine all of a sudden can be a challenge. Make this transition easier by gradually easing your child into the school day routine at least a week before school starts.

Ease into a study routine: After staying away from books during the vacations, getting back to studies and concentrating on lessons can prove difficult for a child. You can help your child overcome this by establishing a reading routine a few days before school reopening.  Their favorite storybooks would work best. You may suggest a bit of review of the lessons and concepts taught before the start of vacations to refresh their memory. Not only will this make them feel confident, but also rekindle their interest in studies and enthusiasm for school.

Shopping for school supplies: Children grow up fast during the vacations. While old uniforms and shoes no longer fit, worn-out school bags, water bottles, etc., also need replacement. It is always wise to buy these items earlier instead of waiting until the last minute. So, when you go out to shop for school supplies, take your child along with you. Let them select the school bag, lunch box, water bottles, stationery, and shoes they like. This will help raise their spirits and eagerness to start the new school year.

Visit the school: Accompany your child to the school on the first day. If possible, walk them to the classroom and help them connect with their class teacher. If your child is new to school, help them bond with a few children in their class. If your child starts crying while you are walking away, reassure them that they will be safe with their teacher and that you will meet them after school is over.

Parentspeak

When children don't like the idea of going back to school, it is best to address their problem positively. Talk to your child about why they don't want to go back to school. Reassure them by saying, "I know it feels awful to you. It's okay to feel that way." By showing empathy, you will open up your child's mind, and they will start explaining their reasons. Your job is to listen attentively to your child and thank them for trusting you. It dampens the resistance, and they become more open. Now is the time to guide your child to look at the brighter side of school life.  Also, reassure them that it is normal to feel anxious and worried on the first day of school. In most cases, these feelings disappear within the first few days of school.

"My daughter enjoys school and never wants to take a break from school. In school, she has a lot of friends and enjoys sports and art. Every day's timetable makes her look forward to something exciting in school. She has got her new bag and pencil box, covered all her books, and is ready and waiting for school to start."
- Sudha, a parent from Chennai

"My 8-year-old daughter just can't wait for the holidays to get over so that she can go back to school and share with her friends how she spent her vacation."
-Nisreen, a parent from Trivandrum

"I enjoy school and love being there. But, at times, I miss my mom and brother."
-Aarav, 2 years old, Chennai

"I don't want to go to school because I find going to school boring. But, of course, I am happy to see my friends."
-Zubin, 7 years old, Trivandrum

"This year is going to be different, for I will be in grade 11, and at a new school, in a new environment. But, I am looking forward to it."
-Nayza, 15 years old, Trivandrum