How to make back to school freak out free
The countdown to back to school has arrived and this time of the year can easily become overwhelming for parents and children alike. For some children transitions are really difficult; plus feelings of excitement/nervousness can easily lead to power struggles, meltdowns, shutdowns, or freak-outs!
If your child is at a new school or is transitioning into a grade with more responsibility, or they have a new teacher, it can be a very stressful time (especially for children with poor coping skills).
Get into the back-to-school swing with these sanity-saving tips.
Here are 5 ways to make back to school freak out free:
Get into the rhythm of the school year- Start to shift bedtimes and morning wake-up times a bit earlier so the first week of school isn’t a battle to get your kiddo up or to bed.
Schedule time for summer schoolwork- I know most kids will be so very upset about the idea of schoolwork during the summertime! Likely there are things that they need to complete for summer, before heading back to school; and if they have no summer schoolwork you can assign reading (or visit your local tutoring company to get a jump on the year ahead). Use positive rewards, such as earning computer/electronic time AFTER they complete the work requested.
Channel their excitement into action- Start collecting back-to-school items, purchase new school clothes, and have your child pick out their own binders and backpacks.
Get creative- Customize backpacks, binders, and folders with unique designs. Head to the art store and pick up cool supplies to customize their back-to-school stuff. Use fabric paints, stencils, sew on patches, or add other flair to backpacks. Start with blank folders and binders and add scrapbooking elements, or create cool original designs with colored duck tape and sharpies.
Express the fears, worries, and anxieties of back to school through art- Many well-intentioned parents and adults will try talk a child out of their worries. Your child may express their fears and you may begin to lecture, minimize, or rationalize why these feelings are not true. Instead of quickly reacting to your child with reasons why their fears are unjustified allow them an opportunity to express these worries through art. Create a school worry box, journal, or use paper to draw, write, or play out all the things your child may be worried about. Allow your child an opportunity to express their worriers and concerns without censoring their thoughts and feelings.
Here’s a bonus tip- Take care of yourself during back-to-school time. Your child will pick-up on your worries and stress about their upcoming school year. So take the time to nourish yourself and BREATHE!
Could you use some tools to help your child and yourself become more calm, focused, and relaxed? Schedule a complimentary phone consultation to learn more