For many children and teens, the start of a new school year means reuniting with friends, new experiences, and learning opportunities. However, the transition may cause anxiety for your child, especially if last year was rough or they’re starting a new school. By equipping your child with the necessary tools to start the school year off on the right foot, you can help them manage back-to-school stress while thriving both academically and emotionally.
We are here to help! Call us at 909-985-0513 to schedule an appointment.
- Before school starts, help your child or teen develop a calendar that includes all activities, projects, social events, and holidays. Whether it is a hard bound planner or on a phone, set the expectation that everything goes on the calendar and check in with your child regularly to review deadlines. Younger children may need more support with time management while teens can be encouraged to take ownership of their schedule.
- Reach out to your student’s school to arrange a visit if possible. With your younger kids, practice school drop off and walking to their classroom on their own. For teens, allow them to map out their class schedule, find their locker, the lunch area, and restroom locations. Feeling prepared can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, particularly for students with sensory concerns.
- Promote healthy habits by establishing routines before school starts. Establish a consistent bedtime to make sure your child gets enough sleep. Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night. This can be difficult for teens with busy extracurricular schedules and the temptations of screen time. If your student’s sleep is suffering, consider reducing or removing activities. Limit screen time and try removing phones from the bedroom at night to support restful sleep. A healthy diet and physical activity can also reduce anxiety and improve mental health.
- Request an IEP (Individual Educational Plan) or 504 if your child has a diagnosis that interferes with school functioning and learning. If your student is eligible, these plans can provide necessary support and accommodations to help your child succeed. For example, a plan for anxiety could include extra time or a separate space for writing assignments and tests. For students with nervous habits like leg bouncing or pencil tapping, interventions such as being sent on an errand for a teacher or going to a designated space to decompress can be written into the plan.
- Support your kids emotionally by letting them know that they can talk to you about anything. Ask them about the best part of their day. Talk to them about the value of supportive friendships, and what to do if they experience bullying. Help them think through ways to appropriately handle conflict with peers and the adults in authority at school. Stop what you are doing and listen when your child is telling you about a problem they are having. Above all, reassure them that you are their ally and biggest cheerleader.
We are here to help! Call us at 909-985-0513 to schedule an appointment.
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