Healthy & Helpful Transitions

For teachers, parents, and kids, the end of summer means a time of transition. This transition can bring with it anxiety about the unknown or maybe worry about a new, demanding schedule. Starting to identify the challenges of this transition and establishing structure can help reduce anxiety, worry, and other concerns. The Child Mind Institute has some helpful suggestions for parents and families.

Get back into a routine approximately two weeks before school starts. Move bedtime back to what is followed during the school year, limit screentime, and follow a morning routine. Also, expect resistance from your kids! Be patient and consistent.

Take time to refuel. Get back in the habit of pausing for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Add healthy snacks between meals as needed. Well-fed, good-sleepers are much happier and engaged.

Discuss changing friendships. Young friendships can change by the day, especially over the summer when communication methods are different. Let your child talk to you about who they're friends with and who they might have distanced away from. These changes are normal and don't really need to be fixed; just listen.

Choose thoughtful questions. Instead of asking, "Did you make any friends today?" you can ask your child to share three things they liked and didn't like about their day. These prompts foster conversation instead of pressure to meet expectations.

Do a trial run. To help reduce anxiety, which is often fueled by the unknown, do a couple of "dry runs" to help kids (and you) get acquainted with the route, school, and timing of the new school year.

Expect setbacks and be patient with yourself and your kids. Even with trial runs and preparations, life is full of unexpected surprises. Model how to mange these challenges by staying calm, reassessing the situation, and trying again. Allowing for setbacks helps build confidence and flexibility. Your kids are watching and learning from you!