Back to School season is upon us and children all over the country are preparing to return to the classroom. Some will be going for the first time, and others are preparing for their last year in public education. For all students, going back to school can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. There are several things parents can do to help with the back to school jitters.
Talk about what they are looking forward to
Having an open line of communication with your children is crucial. They need to feel comfortable talking with you about what they are feeling. Having them talk about what they are excited to do and who they are looking forward to seeing can help them feel more at ease about going back.
Address their concerns
Allow your children to voice concerns they have about the upcoming school year. Acknowledging the concerns they have will help them address them and put them in to perspective.
Visit the school
If possible, a trip to the classroom and walk through the school can help with anxiety on the first day. It is so much easier to feel confident when you already know where you are going. Building the excitement for the new teacher and classroom will help your child also be excited.
As you take a few moments with your children to prepare them to go back to school, remember their emotions will be all over the place. It is perfectly fine to be excited one moment and terrified the next. Be patient and help them work through these emotions and you will be amazed at the wonderful children you have raised.