In my ideal parent world, we all look forward to the start of the school year – everyone back in their routines, kids happy learning with their friends, and the house finally quiet and clean. But in reality the start of the school year sounds more like “Hurry up! We need to go!” “Where are your socks?!” “I don’t want to go to school…” and tears, tears, and more tears.
The start of school is filled with lots of different emotions. Yes–it is exciting to be back with friends and yes, here at Grace, your kids are back in their loving and caring community. However, the start of school brings a lot of changes. New classrooms, new teachers, new rules and expectations. There is also the need to get up, be in uniform, and be at school on-time. And now having to sit inside, follow the rules, and pay attention all day. It’s a lot! All of these changes would be hard for us as adults, let alone a child.
As kids adjust to the new school year, it is normal for there to be increased tears both before, during, and after school. It is normal for kids to have a harder time falling asleep at night and a harder time getting up in the morning and even for there to be a change in appetite and mood. We are getting used to a new routine and that takes time.
Our teachers are used to (and frankly expect) the whole range of emotions that kids bring with them the first few weeks. But if you are seeing changes at home – like increased difficulty sleeping or getting up or irritability—let us know. We are ready and want to partner with you to help your child succeed.
There are things you can do too to help ease transition:
- Listen to your child. Your child may be worried about the transition to school and may be happy, excited and sad at the same time too. Let him or her know that all of these feelings are OK and you are ready and willing to listen.
- Routines are our friends! Routines help decrease overall anxiety for kids and parents. So keep with your regular bedtime routine–help your kid calm down before bed–and have your child help with the morning routine–both can help make the transitions smoother.
- Always say a loving goodbye, and then leave promptly if possible. “Sneaking out” may confuse and upset your child even more; whereas a long farewell scene may reinforce a child’s sense that school is not a safe place.
If you are struggling more with the start of school, please reach out—we are happy to talk and listen and problem solve. I am also on-site at Grace every-other Wednesday morning. Wishing you all as smooth, as possible, start to the new school year.
– Michal Berkson Powell, LCSW, LICSW, LCSW-C
School Social Worker
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