EDUCATION
Back-to-School Blues?
How to Navigate Family Feelings About Returning to School
navigate their feelings work just as well with
adults. Consider these three tips to help your
children (and yourself) manage emotions
during the transition back to school.

Plan ahead
The fear of the unknown can be stressful.

Children who aren’t able to clearly articulate
their feelings likely won’t be able to make the
connection between new, uncertain situations
– like going to school and being around other
people – and their feelings. Instead they may
become overwhelmed by emotions, which
might look like more meltdowns, clinginess
or a variety of other behaviors. Talk with your
children about how they feel about going back
to school ahead of the first day of class. Ask
questions to help them determine why they
feel particular feelings when they think about
school then work together to solve potential
issues. That could mean finding a way to
meet your children’s teachers ahead of time,
whether virtually or in-person, or practicing
introducing themselves to classmates.

Build a consistent routine
“It’s important to
remember that
even in the best of
times, it’s normal
for children to
express feelings
of sadness,
isolation or stress.”
W hether it’s your child’s first day of
kindergarten or the start of middle
school, back-to-school season
can bring a range of feelings – from worry to
excitement – for the entire family. This year
may be more emotional as many families
spent the better part of the past two school
years at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s important to remember that even
in the best of times, it’s normal for children
to express feelings of sadness, isolation or
stress,” says Tyreca Elliott, from KinderCare
Learning Centers’ inclusion services team.

“Learning how to address those feelings
helps us build self-confidence, resilience and
independence. What’s important is the way
adults respond to children’s stress. Offering
comfort, reassurance and assisting with
problem solving will help children learn and
grow from stress in a positive way.”
As an added bonus, Elliott says many of the
most effective ways to help children learn to
Routines can give children (and adults) a
sense of security and structure, which in turn
make it easier to cope with big emotions like
stress and anxiety. Try to stay consistent,
and if you need to make adjustments, talk
them through with your children. Be sure
to mention key milestones instead of times,
particularly if they can’t tell time yet. Make
sure your children have opportunities to ask
questions about any changes to routines. They
may need reassurance before they’re ready to
face something new.

Create special family moments
As important as routine is, it’s just as
important to prioritize quality time together.

That could mean a vacation or something
as simple as Saturday bike rides or Sunday
morning pancakes. Plan a family outing or
special time together to celebrate completing
the first week of school. Family rituals and
celebrations can give children and adults
something to look forward to. Quality time
together also helps families build resiliency. —
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