8 Back to School Tips for Parents
The transition (back) to school can be an exciting yet overwhelming time for preschoolers and, well, for us parents too! A new environment also comes with new experiences and emotions, and it's key for parents to provide unwavering support and unconditional love during this phase. Our little ones often deal with with big feelings that they may not fully understand or know how to express, so if emotions are running high in your house this month and are a little all over the place, you are not alone!
Here are some of my favorite tips, tricks and tools to help navigate what our kiddos might be going through and support them through this transition.
Listen and Empathize:
To help foster open and honest communication with your little one we want to create a safe space where they feel comfy sharing their thoughts and emotions and how they're feeling about going back to school. Validating their emotions, whether they're excited, nervous, or uncertain, will help them feel understood. Show empathy by actively listening to your child. Reflect back their feelings, letting them know you understand what they're experiencing. This helps them feel heard and validated, promoting a sense of security during this time of change.
Prepare and Plan Together:
Involve your preschooler in the preparation process. Create a routine together for school days, including morning and afternoon rituals. This sense of involvement can help alleviate any anxiety and give your child a feeling of control over their day.
Pretend Play / Role Play:
Role-playing can be a powerful tool to help preschoolers understand and manage their emotions. Pretend scenarios of different feelings they might encounter at school (pickup/dropoff, taking turns, missing parents, etc) can help them practice how to react and cope effectively.
Establish a Transition Ritual:
Develop a special transition ritual that you and your child can do each day before school. It could be a simple handshake, a hug, or a short affirmation that provides comfort and reassurance.
Be Consistent:
As much as possible (i.e. I get it, things happen, parenting is crazy!), maintain consistency in your child's routine particularly in these first few weeks. Familiarity helps toddlers and preschoolers feel secure and confident, even amidst the changes that going back to school can bring.
Build Connection with Daily Special Time:
Add “Special Time” into your morning routine (daily, if need be) for the first week or two of the new school year. Read more on ST, my favorite connection tool, here.
The Only Thing Constant is Change:
This too shall pass! I know when we’re in the thick of a challenging parenting phase it can feel like this is just the way things are now! Remember that it's a process for both you and your child. Some days might be smoother than others. Be patient and understanding as your child navigates their emotions.
Take Care of YOU!:
Often in the midst of the epic TO DO list that comes along with this time of year, that we can abandon ourselves and any sort of self care practices we may have. I urge you to make yourself a priority, now more than ever! The best way to support our little ones through a time of transition is fill our own cups first and email as steady as possible! Did you know that may favorite way to practice self care is through ‘microdosing’ it?! (Link to former self care blog) Here are some quick fix self care ideas:
Get up 10-30 min before everyone else in your household and sit quietly with some coffee or tea.
Meditate for 5-10 min
Get outside in nature, even if only for a few minutes. Let your bare feet tough the earth, it’s incredibly grounding and recharging.
Jot down 5 things you’re grateful for.
So yeah, the transition back to school is a big milestone for preschoolers AND for us parents, but you got this! The support our kiddos receive from their parents can make all the difference. By fostering open communication, empathy, and a sense of control, parents can help their children navigate their big feelings and embrace this new chapter with confidence and enthusiasm. Good luck out there!