With every ending enters a new beginning. Just as with starting a new job or embarking on an exciting health journey, the end of summer break brings on a new and often stressful school year. Whether you are transitioning into the next grade level or moving on to a new phase of life. Here are some tips to help that anxiety melt away and deliver a stress-free back-to-school experience.
I. Be Prepared Before Going Back to School
We have all heard the phrase “Preparation is the Key to Success.” As much as our teenagers roll their eyes when we give advice such as this, Alexander Graham Bell was on to something. One of the best ways to reduce stress is to plan ahead. Make sure they clean their room and have a designated quiet and calm study space. This sets them up to thrive from day one.
II. Be Organized
There is not a much more stress-inducing environment than a clutter-filled space. Let’s face it; most kids have plenty of unnecessary junk. Your child and your sanity will have a much better time with things if you teach them organizational habits. This can start simply with their school supplies. Ensure they have everything, from notebooks, pencils, and calculators to the right backpack and storage containers.
III. Establish a Routine
The first few weeks of school can be difficult partly because of the laid-back vibe of summer and the transition into a more structured schedule. Creating a daily routine with consistent bedtime and waking hours is a great start to developing anxiety-free mornings. No parent likes the memory of yelling at our kids right before leaving them for the rest of the day. Minimize those back-to-school stressors by making calm consistency the norm in your home.
IV. Stay Connected
I get it. The last thing your fifteen-year-old wants to do is sit around and talk to their parents, and sometimes, we need a break at the end of the day, too. You do not have to spend every waking minute together, but creating regular touch points throughout the day or week is a beautiful way to stay in touch with the back-to-school issues your kiddos face. Not only that, but it reminds them that they are not alone. Making this a regular event in your household will open communication between you both and result in more positive interactions.
In Conclusion
By forming a plan, becoming organized, establishing a routine, and staying connected, your child will be set up for a successful back-to-school plan with life-changing habits. Embrace this new school year as a chance to grow together and create lasting memories that will travel with your family in the years to come. You will not regret it and might just learn a handful of fresh habits for yourself.
If you find that managing the stress of returning back to school is becoming too complicated, please know that you are not alone. Greater Houston Counseling Services will host our fall groups for children and adolescents, which will help them develop additional strategies to maneuver a harmonious year successfully.