Helping Kids Transition Back to School

The start of a new school year can present challenges for kids and their caregivers. New teachers, classmates, and routines often cause stress for everyone involved. To support families in this transition, Life Kit sought advice from teachers, pediatricians, and child development experts.

Sleep Schedule Adjustments

According to Dr. Nilong Vyas, a pediatrician and sleep consultant, adjusting your child’s summer sleep schedule to a school schedule is crucial. Begin one or two weeks before school starts by moving bedtime and wake-up time up in 15-minute increments every few days. This gradual change will help ease the shift to a new routine.

Reintroducing Structure

Keisha Siriboe, an early childhood literacy consultant, suggests slowly bringing structure back into a child’s daily routine. Incorporate a 15-minute block of educational content, such as a read-aloud, math puzzle, or science experiment, to prepare them for a structured learning environment.

Managing First Day Nerves

Leah Orchinik, a pediatric psychologist at Nemours Children’s Health, advises reminding kids that feeling anxious on the first day is normal. By naming and describing emotions, children can gain control over their feelings. This approach helps prevent them from feeling overwhelmed.

Setting Realistic Expectations

“When we do something new, let’s talk about what we’ll do.”

Mallory Mbalia, director of learning at Fred Rogers Productions, highlights the importance of helping children understand what to expect. Encourage your child to remember that caregivers will return at the end of the school day, and they can share their experiences with loved ones.

Preparing for Challenges

Discuss potential challenging situations with your child, even if they seem unlikely. For instance, if your child is worried about getting lost, help them create a plan to address this concern, boosting their confidence and preparedness.

Creating Special Goodbye Rituals

Jeanette Betancourt from Sesame Workshop suggests making goodbye rituals a part of daily life. Special phrases, handshakes, or simple gestures like kissing your child’s palm can create cherished memories and reassure your child throughout the day.

Maintaining Connection

Vanessa Lapointe, author of Discipline without Damage, emphasizes the importance of filling your child’s ‘connection cup’ before and after school. Spend quality time together in the morning, and have another connection session when they return from school to help them recharge emotionally.

Encouraging Independence

Leah Plunkett, the author of Sharenthood, advises ensuring your child knows how to navigate their world without technology. Teach them essential street smarts, such as getting help for an injury or dealing with strangers.

Addressing Conflicts

According to Thomas Lickona, author of How to Raise Kind Kids, discussing family or classroom conflicts is vital. Have daily conversations about what’s been good or challenging for your child. Weekly discussions can help keep everyone on track and involved in problem-solving.

Building Confidence

Jarod Renford, a first-grade teacher in Washington, D.C., recommends providing children with positive affirmations. Simple messages of pride and encouragement can make a significant impact. Leaving notes in lunch boxes or on desks can help boost a child’s confidence throughout the day.