7 Ways to Help Kids Head Back to School With Confidence and Calm

It’s almost back to school time! The season is filled with exciting opportunities, new friends, and new adventures when it comes to learning. Whether your child is entering a new grade or school, this moment is a chance to grow, explore, and thrive.

But as thrilling as it is, the experience can also be challenging for kids. The good news? There are a variety of steps you can take so your children return to school stress-free, according to The Conversation. Read ahead for tips on how to help them shift from summer vacation to school with ease.

Listen to Your Child
It’s crucial to tune into your child’s feelings about this transition and validate their feelings. While some kids are great at sharing what’s on their minds, others need to be asked how they feel about going back to school. Asking them about their feelings can help them realize that they’re not alone — and that most students and even teachers go through the same experience.

Talk About New Routines
Discuss new routines with your child. With changing work schedules and after-school activities, days can look a little different. Having conversations with your child about new routines sets expectations and can help them feel more grounded amid changes.

Plan Ahead
A little planning goes a long way. Try small steps including taking them on a tour or to an open house if they are attending a new school to help them feel calmer. Furthermore, do a check-in with your child to make sure they’ve done their summer reading list and assignments so they’re prepared for class. Pick out outfits the night before and have backpacks ready to go to keep mornings more organized.

Boost Their Confidence
You can increase your child’s self-esteem by allowing your kid to decide how they express themselves — whether it’s through their clothes or hair. High self-esteem has an impact on future success, whether it’s in their relationships, careers, or how they function in life.

Instilling confidence in your kids has major benefits including allowing them to feel proud of who they are. You can do this through talking to your child in a positive way and reminding them of their strengths. It makes a big difference in helping them feel empowered about the new school year.

Furthermore, celebrate what makes your child unique, mindbodygreen suggests. “Differences often cause anxiety for kids, but when others take interest in them, they can become a source of pride,”  Maggie C. Vaughan, LMFT, Ph.D., head of Youth Transformation at tapouts and founder of Happy Apple, tells mindbodygreen. “Rather than illuminating differences yourself, encourage your child to share with you and display an enjoyment of their distinct traits, talents, and interests,” she adds.

Encourage Assertiveness
You can help your kid become more confident when socializing by building their assertiveness. “Seeking your child’s opinions and involving them in family decisions demonstrates that you value their ideas and input,” Vaughan says. So get your kids involved to help them become more assertive. “When parents ask kids to weigh in regularly, children grow to believe that their perspectives matter and are likely to keep speaking up,” she adds.

Curb Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is a normal part of the back-to-school experience for both children and parents, CNBC reports. Gayane Aramyan, a Sherman Oaks, California-based family therapist says one way to combat this is to reassure your kids that you’re going to come back and pick them up later.

If you experience separation anxiety as a parent, it’s important to avoid projecting the feeling onto your kids. “If you’re going to be crying, your child’s probably going to be crying too,” Aramyan explains. “You want to show them that this is a part of life and it’s our responsibility.”

Seek Support If Necessary
It can take time to get used to change, according to The Conversation. If your child is having a difficult time adjusting to returning to school after three or four weeks, it’s a good idea to consider additional support — whether it’s seeking help from a school adjustment counselor, guidance counselor, or a therapist.

Through taking these important steps, you can help create a positive back-to-school experience for your child. By preparing them for this transition, the choices you make can have a lasting impact — into adulthood.