Preparing For the Year With Their Best Hopes In Mind
The new school year is approaching, and it can be a time of mixed emotions for both kids and parents. On the one hand, there's the excitement of a fresh start and all the possibilities that come with it. But on the other hand, there may also be some anxiety and stress about what lies ahead.
Have you noticed that your child seems to stay in summer mode until they find out who their teacher is and who will be in their class?
I remember driving up to my kid's school each year and finding her name. My daughters would take pictures of the class list and look at who was in their class. Immediately I could see them begin to picture how their year would be. It became real to them at that moment.
This year, I am seeing that happen again as my oldest daughter prepares for her first year as a first-grade teacher. I see her bounce from excitement to anxiety as she prepares. But the moment she felt grounded and fully ready was the moment she got her class list and was able to read each name. Each representing a student, she will get the privilege of teaching.
Seek ways to make the experience of starting a new year personal and real.
We all know the first day of school is marching closer and closer weather we like it or not! So instead of focusing on the date on the calendar, focus on what this new year means to you. What is your highest hopes for the weeks to come? The goal is to help you feel less worried and more excited moving into what is ahead. If you find that you or your child is struggling with the thought of starting the new school year, find a way to make it personal. Talk about all your hopes for the new year and build healthy excitement.
Here are some tips to help your family feel confident and successful as you transition back to school:
Avoid meltdowns and tantrums by having a conversation about how everyone is feeling early on. This will help each family member feel heard and understood.
Don't be surprised if your child feels some worry or stress about going back to school. It's normal to feel this way, especially if it's a new school or grade.
Help your child set some high hopes for the new school year. Begin by focusing on all the wonderful things that can go right. This positive attitude will help you increase your chances of success.
If you notice that your child is feeling higher than normal anxiety levels, I have a four-part podcast series on helping you and your family deal with stress, worry, and anxiety. Check out episodes #106, 107, 109, and 117. I will link them to this article to help you get access. And feel free to leave me a comment about the ways you are preparing for the year to come!
Is your child starting at a brand new school or just entering Kindergarten? If so I realize this time can be extra stressful for both you and your child. In this case, make sure you don’t talk about fear or worry that you have in front of your child. Talk about your fear with another trusted adult out of ear shot of your child. You see, your child has fear of their own. They don’t need to add your fears to the list. It is helpful to ask them what they are fearful of so they can talk it out. Listen without judgement, knowing that just being able to talk about it helps them feel better. After they express themself, you can discuss ways to help lessen the anxiety. The best and most helpful ideas come from the child, not from you. I wrote an article about this called: Eyeliner Builds Confidence? A Solution Focused Mindset Going Back To School. You may want to check it out as you prepare for the changes to come.
Remember that you've got this! Move forward confidently, knowing you're taking steps toward a successful year for the entire family.
