Understandably, the first week of school can be stressful for parents and students alike. Every student has been there before – circumnavigating the anxiety of keeping up with the coursework, the hangover of summer break, and coping with the new routine. The anxiety of dealing with a suddenly more hectic schedule on the parental end and the fear of your child falling behind can be all too real. While the anxiety is understandable, there are things that both parents and students can do to ease back into the school year. Thus, making it as smooth of a transition as possible. Here are a few tips on how to manage back-to-school anxiety for both parents and students:
1. Be Prepared as Much as Possible to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety
Preparation means having everything you might need for the first week of school ready to go before the first day. As a parent preparing everything beforehand, whether it is textbooks, school supplies, or clothes, can prepare your child mentally and cut down on last-minute scrambling and stress. You can also help prepare them for back to school by setting realistic bedtime and wake-up schedules a few days before school starts so that they can ease into their new timetables. These schedules will also help you acclimate to the new routines to avoid the morning rush.
2. Create a Strategy Not to Fall Behind
The first week or two of school is always crazy and overwhelming, but getting behind early on can make the rest of the semester seem impossible. That’s why it’s crucial to have a strategy in place to avoid falling behind. As a parent, check in with your child about the homework they have and help them to develop a plan for completing it. For students, this might mean setting aside time each day to review what was learned in class. Then, work to get ahead on reading assignments.
3. Build Up Back-to-School Enthusiasm
One of the best ways to ease back-to-school anxiety is to get excited about it. As a parent, you can help your child’s excitement by taking them back-to-school shopping for new clothes. Alternatively, you could build their enthusiasm by organizing a play date with some of their school friends so that they look forward to school. On your part, you could have a coffee date with some of the other parents from school. Then, take the time to catch up on gossip and get the low-down on what to expect this year.
4. Have a Positive Attitude
Having a positive attitude towards back to school can be contagious. As a parent, if you are feeling anxious about the new school year, your child will likely pick up on that and feel anxious as well. Instead, try to focus on the positive aspects of back-to-school, such as the opportunity to learn new things and make new friends. You can also help your child develop a positive attitude by talking to them about their excitement for the new year.
5. Open Communication With the Teachers
One of the best ways to ease back-to-school anxiety is to have an open communication line with your child’s teacher. As a parent, you can introduce yourself at the open house or on the first day of school and let the teacher know that you are available to help in any way. You can also ask the teacher about their expectations for the year and what you can do to help your child succeed. Open communication with the teachers will also help you to be aware of any issues that might arise. Then, you can address them quickly.
Easing back into the school year doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, a positive attitude, and communicating with the teachers, you can help your child (and yourself!) transition back to school with absolute ease.
Enroll Your Child in The Tenney School to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety
The Tenney School is a small private institution in Houston, Texas, with one-to-one classrooms as the primary method of instruction. We have numerous types of students, including international students, students with learning differences, gifted and talented. Our one-to-one approach guarantees all students customized instructions and individual attention to maximize their academic potential. Contact us today to learn more about us.