Blog

Going Back To School Strategies

Only a few more weeks of summer!! Can you believe it?

How does your family JUMP back into the ‘Going Back to School’ transition? Read on for tips to help going from lazy summer days to school mode from our team of clinicians!

Photo by Brandon Morgan on Unsplash

Dominique Adkins, Ed.d., LPC, NCC, ACS:
As we begin to prepare for the new school year, do not let future worries ruin the last few moments of summer. Remember we only have control over what is happening in this moment so let’s make it count! These last few weeks offer a wonderful opportunity to prepare and set the tone for the new school year.

• First, set a positive tone grounded in strong preparation. Each new year is an opportunity for a fresh start.
• Second, review previous strategies without dwelling in the past. Determine which strategies to incorporate again and which to discontinue in this new school year.
• Third, encourage teens to start making the necessary adjustment to their sleep patterns now to make the first day of school transition easier.
• Finally, practice being mindful of the present moment and new opportunities to excel. Parents and teens take time to mindfully experience a moment of gratitude at the end of the day.

Positive experiences NOW provide a foundation for positive results!

Amanda Beyland, LCSW: 
Although we may all not be quite ready to admit it, summer is coming to an end and a new school year is just around the corner. Preparing to go back to school can be a time full of both excitement and anxiety. With the anticipation of seeing friends and teachers there may also be some nerves as kids are preparing to meet new people, learn in a different classroom, and get back into the school day routine.

In order to help with these transitions, take advantage of “meet your teacher” night, if your school has one, to help familiarize your children with the classroom they will be learning in and who their teacher is. It’s helpful to try and get back into the routine of things a few days early to help make the first day of school a little less stressful. Try setting the alarm, getting ready for the day, and see how long it takes to be ready to get out of the door. It may help your child get excited for the school year by including them in back to school shopping so they can pick out something whether is it a cool new notebook or a lunchbox with their favorite design.

While there will be lots of preparation happening, speak positively about the school year and all the great things your child has to look forward to!

Kasey Cain, Resident in Counseling:
For as long as I can remember I have gotten nervous about going back to school (or the first day of work, or the beginning of anything really), and I love school. I love it so much I have gone back multiple times and picked a career as a school counselor so I can be in schools. With many years of experience in going back to school personally and professionally and in supporting students and families, I believe that in preparing for the transition back to school, it is important to do the following:

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you are new to a school or not, your child is entering a new grade with a new teacher. It is OK to reach out with questions, comments, or concerns.
• Prepare for the transition. Begin talking about starting or returning to school at least a week prior. Make sure you have school supplies and have discussed the schedule. What time will your children have to wake up? Is this different from what they have been used to during the summer?
• Keep conversations positive and validate any feelings of worry. Apprehension about a new school year is normal.
• There are many books focused on starting school such as Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes. Reading these and discussing with your kids is another great way to get ready.
• Lastly, if you feel like you’re are concerned about how much your child is worrying, reach out to the school counselor. Or you can reach out to us here at the Wise Family. We are happy to help and hope the 2019-2020 school year is wonderful!

Be on the lookout for Back To School Tips from our newest team member, Vanessa Mackall, next week!

Until then, Be Wise!