6 Tips for the Transition Back to School

By Avery Bondra, Registered Behavior Technician and MPY Summer Educator

The transition back to school after summer time can be difficult for children and parents alike. Taking small steps to prepare for the adjustment can ease you and your child’s mind, and take some of the pressure off of the first few weeks of school. The following are 6 tips to help your family have a smooth transition back to school!

Tip #1: Check in with yourself.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, your child is sure to pick up on these feelings, whether through words, tone of voice, or facial expressions. Take some time each day for self-care, whether it be taking a walk, journaling, reaching out to friends, spending time in nature, or engaging in a hobby. Before you are able to give genuine support to your child, you must give it to yourself.

Tip #2: Open the lines of communication between you and your child.

Allowing your student to express their concerns and meeting them with understanding will ensure that your young one feels seen and heard. Afterwards, maintain a positive mindset and encourage your child to consider all that there is to be excited about this coming school year. This will provide them with a different perspective on what may seem like a daunting life event.

Tip #3: Create a visual schedule.

With your child, fill out a calendar with upcoming events and a countdown to the first day of school. Keep this in a space for the whole family to see. Visual schedules can help create a more concrete idea of time and can lessen feelings of anxiety. Calendars provide reminders for not only the first day, but also events outside of school to look forward to, such as family vacations or plans with friends.

Tip #4: Reintroduce your child to group social interaction.

This can be especially helpful if they spent the summer interacting with only a few favorite folks. Summer camps, day programs, and even local libraries have opportunities for your child to get comfortable in different social settings, before they have to return to the hustle and bustle of a school building.

Tip #5: Slowly re-establish earlier bedtimes and limits on electronics (if they had been loosened over the summer).

Starting a few weeks before the return to school, set limits on electronics (ex. no screens 20 minutes before bed) and slowly shift towards an earlier bedtime and earlier waking time. Model a healthy bedtime routine that involves self-care or a relaxing activity, such as reading a story, drawing, or listening to calming music. With the goal to be fully adjusted by the first day of school, making changes in small chunks can help the transition be less painful for all parties involved.

Tip #6: Remove unknowns about the new school year.

This can help your child feel more comfortable before school has even begun. Taking a tour of the school if possible, meeting their teacher, or even playing on the school playground can help lessen the fear of the unknown.

Incorporating these six tips can help you and your child feel ready for the new school year. Remember to make small changes starting a few weeks before school begins, continue to check in with yourself and your family, and practice a positive mindset, and you can enjoy a smooth transition into fall!

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