Getting Your Kids Ready for School: Fun Tips for Easing the Back-to-School Nerves
- Valeka Norbi
- Aug 26
- 4 min read
As summer comes to a close, many parents and kids begin to feel a mix of excitement and nerves for the upcoming school year. While kids may be eager to see their friends again, they can also feel anxious about their teachers and adapting to new routines. This emotional rollercoaster is normal, and with the right approach, parents can help their children feel confident as they prepare for school.
We'll share fun and helpful ideas to support your children emotionally as they transition into a new school year, whether they are beginning kindergarten or moving into high school.
Understanding the Back-to-School Nerves
Back-to-school nerves are a common experience for kids. According to a 2022 survey conducted by the Canadian Teachers' Federation, approximately 25% of children in Canada reported feeling anxious about returning to school. This anxiety often stems from changes in routines, new friendships, and the unknowns of a new environment. By recognizing these feelings, you can help your child cope better.
Talk It Out
One of the best ways to address back-to-school fears is through open communication. Make time to sit down with your child to talk about what they are looking forward to and what worries them. If they share they are nervous about meeting new classmates, remind them of how can they make friends quickly. This conversation will help them feel understood and allows you to address their concerns.
Create a Back-to-School Checklist
Create a fun checklist together! Include essentials such as:
School supplies: backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks.
Clothing: new shoes, comfortable clothes for school.
Social: arranging playdates or meet-ups with friends.
By making the checklist a joint activity, children enjoy a sense of control and responsibility. Research shows that kids feel more excited about school when they have cool supplies and friends waiting for them.
Establish A Routine
Kids thrive on routines. To help ease the transition from summer to school, start adjusting their schedule two weeks before classes begin. Begin with small changes, like shifting bedtime by 15 minutes each night and gradually waking them earlier in the morning.
Introduce enjoyable morning and bedtime routines, like reading together or making meals as a family. These routines create a comforting predictability, which helps ease nerves of the what's to come.
Get to Know the School Environment
Familiarity works wonders in reducing anxiety. If possible, visit the school before the first day. Walk through the hallways, check out their classroom, and meet their teacher. A 2019 study found that kids who toured their schools beforehand reported 40% less anxiety on their first day. Talk to your child about what their daily schedule might look like and discuss any new activities they may encounter.
Build Social Connections
Social connections are vital for emotional security. Encourage your child to reconnect with friends they may not have seen during the summer. Arrange playdates or outings to strengthen friendships. A simple trip to the park can create positive memories and help your child feel more prepared as school approaches.
Embrace New Opportunities
The back-to-school season brings a wealth of new experiences. Discuss clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities that might interest your child. Whether it's joining a robotics club or participating in soccer, encouraging involvement in these activities can transform school from a place of anxiety into adventure and excitement.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool. Celebrate their courage in facing new challenges. Acknowledge their feelings and offer small rewards to reinforce their effort. Treat them to their favourite breakfast or plan a fun family outing after the first week of school. Research indicates that children who receive positive encouragement are more likely to approach new situations with confidence.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Teaching kids relaxation techniques empowers them to manage their anxiety. Simple methods such as deep breathing, stretching, or visualization can significantly minimize stress. Make these techniques a family practice. You could even create a fun “calm corner" in your home with pillows and stress-relief toys, encouraging them to use it whenever they are feeling overwhelmed.
Encourage Journaling
Journaling can effectively help kids express their feelings. Provide your child with a colourful journal where they can draw or write about their worries and excitement. According to a 2021 study, children who journal about their feelings report feeling 60% less stressed. Let them decorate it to make the experience enjoyable and personal.
Be an Active Listener
When your child shares their concerns, practice active listening. Encourage them to express themselves, validate their emotions by saying it's perfectly okay to feel nervous. Share stories about your own experiences with anxiety, which can help normalize their feelings and provide reassurance that other kids feel the same way.
Moving Forward
Back-to-school nerves are a common part of transitioning back into the school environment. By taking proactive steps to prepare your children emotionally, you can help ease their anxiety and set them up for a successful year.
Remember, fostering open communication, establishing routines, building social connections, and adding an element of fun can significantly help your child approach the school year with confidence and excitement.
This blog post was really informative and eye-opening. When I was going to school, I wish my parents had done some of these techniques with me. I know that I would have felt more confident and less anxious on the first day. Encouraging children to express themselves and becoming a joint participant in creating a back-to-school list instills confidence and is a great way to create responsibility.