The end of summer often brings mixed feelings—excitement for a new school year combined with emotions such as fear and anxiety. Transitioning back to school can be challenging. While it’s tempting to dive in with solutions and advice, just sitting with your child and helping them feel supported can go a long way.
Big transitions aren’t easy for anyone. Remember that it may not be perfect and there may be some difficult moments. However, with the right strategies, you can make the process smoother and prepare your child for a successful year.
Here are some tips to help your child navigate and ease the transition.
- Reestablish a routine. The summer always feels less structured than the school year, with evening sports practices, camps and clubs at different times. One of the best ways to prepare for the return to school is to gradually reestablish a daily routine. Start a week or two before school begins by setting regular bedtimes and wake-up times.
- Involve your child in the preparation process. Let them pick out school supplies, choose their outfits and organize their backpack. This can build excitement for the new school year and help them feel more in control of the transition. For the first day, make sure you have a healthy breakfast planned. Preparing ahead of time can help them start the day with confidence and ease.
- Get organized. Fall can be busy with music practices, sports, dance, school and more. Set expectations for when schoolwork and extracurricular activities will take place. Create one calendar where you can see everything coming up to avoid surprises and missed appointments.
- Reestablish study habits. Get back into a study routine that resembles the regular school schedule a few weeks before the first day. After the relaxed pace of summer, the brain needs to shift gears into academic mode so schedule a few trips to the library, read with your child and help them explore educational materials online. This will help them regain focus and discipline.
- Normalize their feelings. Have open conversations and talk to them about their expectations and emotions. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel nervous. Discuss what they’re looking forward to, what they might be worried about and ways they can handle any challenges.
After several weeks of school, if you notice ongoing anxiety, sleep disturbances, frequent complaints of physical ailments like headaches or stomachaches, or a marked change in behavior, it may be helpful to seek professional support. Early intervention and individual therapy can provide children with strategies to manage stress, build resilience and feel more confident in themselves.
UofL Health – Peace Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient treatment for patients of all ages with mental health and substance use disorders. Peace Hospital also provides integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders.
For a no-charge 24/7 level-of-care assessment, walk into the Peace Hospital Assessment and Referral Center. For more information, call 502-451-3333.
Explore all UofL Health behavioral health services here.
If you or a family member ever struggle with feelings of hopelessness, depression or anxiety, you can also call, text or chat 988. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
