Transitioning Back to School
After a long summer break, or even a year spent at home, your child may be getting ready to separate from you into their own school environment, a new world that will become their own. This can be a major shift for you as a parent, or your family as you prepare to attend a new school or return to a familiar place.
Here are a few ways to support the transition for both you and your child.
Visit the School
Whether you can physically walk on campus, drive by the parking lot or look from outside a gate, your child will benefit from a concrete and visual experience so he knows what to expect and picture himself there. In times when you cannot physically visit, printing out some pictures of the school, playground, classroom, teachers, might be an alternative for your child to begin to make that connection.
Make Use of New Supplies
If your child is collecting new belongings for the start of the school year, begin to practice using them for a local outing. If the school requires a new pair of boots, or backpack, it would be helpful for your child to begin learning how to put those shoes on by himself, or open and close new lunch containers that will be in use once school starts. We love these Sistema lunch containers for your child’s independent use. These Liewood metal containers are also easy-to-use and clean. Packing up their lunch box or backpack, will also be helpful for them to see how heavy it might be and get used to carrying things on their own. Also, this water bottle is sturdy and long lasting, without being too heavy.
Establish Routines for Independent Mornings
Spend a few weekend mornings “acting out” what a school morning might look like. Invite your child to practice dressing himself for school. A routine chart may be helpful, or setting up an accessible entry way for your child to care for belongings when getting ready to leave the home. Filter out and only provide seasonal clothing for your child to begin dressing and choosing outfits himself.
Practice Saying Goodbye
Discuss with your child how you will say goodbye together, and then act it out! In some schools, the goodbye separation may take place in the car, in which case you may need to get creative in how you separate and how to make it special. Giving one last hand squeeze, or blowing a kiss, whatever you and your child decide together will become an expected ritual for your child to rely on. There is a delicate dance to warning your child before the separation happens, but not discussing it too much so they feel anxious. Right as you pull into the parking lot, or when you park, you can begin to talk it through, letting them know you are about to say goodbye and cannot wait to give them a big hug at pick-up!
Push Through the Honeymoon Phase
And as a last note… be prepared for the possible “honeymoon period.” The first few days where your child happily leaves your arms to head to school may be disrupted by the realization “oh, I am doing this every day.” Stay consistent, and stick with the routine without giving in to any drama and push through that small hiccup of time. Your child will grow to understand and adapt to the schedule of school.
For more ideas, check out the article we wrote for The EveryMom here.