Getting Ready to Return to School in the Fall

By: Liz Berland, MA, LCP, SEP

It's almost that time again. School will be starting mid-August to the beginning of September for most students. How do we prepare ourselves, our children and adolescents for the transition from summer’s relaxed schedule to the new school year?

This transition is a process—not just a one-time event—that begins during children’s preschool years and continues into and through 3rd grade. I believe that it continues through High School and even into the College years.

The transition to school is a rite of passage in the lives of children, adolescents, and their families. It means meeting new teachers and friends, adapting to a different and often larger hustling and shifting environment, as well as adjusting to new rules and expectations. This is also a time for growing independence and responsibility. 

Stressors, such as exams, homework overload, and the competitive nature of educational systems, can also impact students' mental health. The pressure to perform well in exams, cope with heavy workloads, and juggle multiple commitments can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, some kids have feelings of not belonging, which can lead to anxiety and stress as well.

To help support a Healthy Transition, you can help ease their worries by:

Communicate: Encourage your child to express their feelings about going or going back to school. 

Acknowledge and Validate: Make them feel understood, and reassure them that it's perfectly normal to feel anxious about these changes.

Practice the Routine: Walk to school, take transportation, walk around the school or campus and familiarize your child/adolescent with the environment.

Make it Fun: Choose a special outfit for the first day of school. Stress that starting High School is the path to independence. Find ways to decorate the dorm room to make it feel like a comfortable space.

For younger children, the following list can be helpful.

1. Choose clothing the night before school

2. Designate one place for clothes

3. Keep shoes organized

4. Make lunches the night before

5. Make sure kids complete homework before bed

6. Keep backpacks fully stocked

7. Set a timer

8. Talk about separation anxiety and how it's okay to be worried about being away from home and what feels safe to them.

For High School and College students, encourage them to join clubs and activities to meet people and find new interests. Utilize the resources that are available through the schools. And as always, reach out for extra support through therapy if your child or adolescent is showing excessive anxiety, worry or avoidance. Email us at hello@embodyandmindcollective.com to get started today!