5 Tips to Easing Those Back To School Jitters – Conscious Parenting

Posted on Sep 5, 2015 | 0 comments

Getting into the back to school routine in September can be a struggle. Lazy mornings in pajamas are over. Late lunches by the pool… not again until next summer!

Now we have to be up, dressed, eaten and packed by 8:30 – AM!

Of course this schedule change – and structure change – can cause some stress.

Here are 5 tips that I have found helpful in relieving those back to school (schedule change) jitters:

#1 Tip for Back To School:

Talk to the kids! For a few days before be conscious of the upcoming change and talk to them about it each day. Explain what the process will be and ask if they have any questions about anything. Now that we are in the change, talk to them about how it is all going. If they are having an issue with something, try to come up with a solution together. I find it helpful to remind them at bedtime what will be coming up the next day. I go over what our ‘jobs’ are for the following morning – i.e. ‘when you wake up, get dressed and please come down for breakfast’ is their ‘job’ on a school morning.

#2 Tip for Back To School:

Be Positive! Let your child know that you believe in them. Be sure to reassure them that they can do it and once they are there, they will shine. Explain to them that the jitters or butterflies they feel in their stomach is actually a good thing that will help them make good choices – it is something that everyone feels and we must learn to understand and appreciate this feeling for what it really is.

#3 Tip for Back To School:

Host a playdate! Invite your child’s friends to the park after school or over for a couple of hours on the weekend. I try to keep my kids involved with their friends from school all summer long too. So much research shows (and just common sense) that kids do better when around familiar friends – both academically and emotionally. So send a note home with your child’s friend with your phone number/email and name and a date that you would love to get the kids together to play. Or, take a deep breath, and just go talk to the child’s mom or dad at pick-up/drop-off. I bet they will be super happy you asked and you may even get a new friend out of it!!

#4 Tip for Back To School:

Ask questions! Ask how their day went. If they have any concerns. If anything is bothering them. Who they ate lunch with or played with at recess. Subtle questions dropped into conversations are a fantastic way to find out how things are going at school and if anything is stressing them out.

#5 Tip for Back To School:

Share! Share your own experiences with your kids. This lets them know they are not alone and will help them relate to you. They may even learn something that could help them in school the next day. Let them know how much you will miss them and that you both need to be strong.
With just a little bit of thought, a few playdates and some talking, the back to school transition can be easy!

What are your back to school tips?

Malibu Mama Loves Xx
#ConsciousParenting