For most kids, summer symbolizes freedom. Whether that’s participating in various camps, attending summer school, going on vacation or even staying at home, summer is about breaking up the monotony of the regular school year with 3 months of well-deserved “freedom”.

But what happens when those hot, endless days start to feel a little bit shorter and the prospect of the new school year starts to loom in the air? For most kids and parents alike, there will be some level of anxiety.

It is normal and expected that transitions at any stage of life can increase anxious feelings. It is important to note that anxiety is a normal, adaptive response that serves to protect us in the possible presence of danger. Sometimes that anxiety response can become dysregulated which can lead to an over sensitivity to stimuli.

In kids, anxiety responses to the thought of going back to school can manifest in the form of stomachaches, headaches or even excessive clinginess. Often the nerves and worries of being back into the routine of the regular school year will fade within the first month.

Here are 4 tips to help ease into that transition faster:

Tip 1: Fall back into routine

Begin to create more structure as the summer winds down to an end. Set solid times for bed and wake, establish calming nighttime routines, reinforce well- balanced meals, set limits to screen time. Taking care of our whole body and mind with a strong wellness routine can serve great benefits and will have our bodies working at optimal levels. Think about it, when we’re hungry or tired, we’re moody and less likely to enjoy things. Well-developed structure and consistency can offer a secure holding container for a child’s feelings of unease. When they know what to expect, they are less likely to let their beautiful imaginations wander into the unknown and instead they begin to build a stronger sense of self-mastery and competence.

Tip 2: Chat about it

Talk through what emotions might be coming up and set the foundation for that continued conversation about sharing what you’re feeling too. Parents can share their own emotions around challenging times of change. This helps to model positive communication and acknowledges that we all experience anxious feelings. If your child is open with their concerns, validate them and let them know you are in their corner.

Tip 3: Pencil in playdates

Schedule playdates with classmates or peers before school starts. Having a familiar community of people to face new challenges with can greatly decrease feelings of worry and increase emotional adjustment. If possible, going to and from school with a trusted friend is another approach that can help alleviate and distract your child from their worries about school.

Tip 4: Dress Rehearsal

A week or two before the start of school, head to school! Walk the grounds, play on the playground, check out their assigned classroom, practice what drop off and/or pick up might be like, meet your new teacher. Many teachers and school staff are on-site the week before to prepare. This might be a great opportunity to briefly stop in and introduce your child to their new classroom environment. If your child is planning to ride the school bus for the first time, there may be opportunities to “tour” a school bus or talk to someone directly from the district about what to expect with a new bus route.

Knowledge is power and when kids have knowledge about what to expect, it can greatly help to ease their worries. With some preparation and lots of love, the first weeks of school can be enjoyable and exciting for everyone!

We are all unique individuals with varying needs, so sometimes what works for some may not work for all. If you notice that your child is continuing to struggle, you are not alone. Therapy2Thrive is here to help. Give us a call at 925-998-3392 and any one of our clinicians can help with a consult.