Top 3 Tips for a Stress-Free Start to the School Year

As the summer months come to an end, many parents and children are understandably anxious about the 2021-22 school year and returning to in-person classes. From ensuring that all school health and safety procedures are being followed, to preparing your child for more traditional morning and nighttime schedules, this year also will be one that requires flexibility and adjustment.

In an article published by the Child Mind Institute, Lianna Wilson and Sarah Straus advise parents to reassure their children that feeling anxious is completely normal.

“Let your child know that his nervous or apprehensive feelings about the start of school are normal,” Wilson and Straus said. “All kids (and adults!) have a hard time getting back into the routine of the school year. The knowledge that he is not alone in this experience will help your child feel he’s being heard and understood.”

Read below for a few tips to help make your child’s back-to-school experience as successful and stress-free as possible.

A New Morning Routine

As many districts across the country plan to hold in-person schooling, children will need to establish new morning routines to make sure they are up in time to catch the bus and or make it to their first class on time.

One key to an effective morning routine is to plan the night before. For example, make sure all necessary electronics are connected to their chargers, have a set of clothes laid out and make sure your child’s bag and packed lunch are ready to go. Consider having a special place in your home where your child can find most of the things they will need before they head out the door. This strategy ensures that younger children especially only need to focus on a few tasks each morning, like brushing their teeth, showering, getting dressed and gathering everything they need to have a good day.

Learning and Following the Rules

When students return to the classroom, they will be expected to follow specific rules and procedures in order to help maintain a safe and effective learning space. If your child has been primarily learning at home, these rules might take a little while to get used to.

Before the first day, visit the school’s website to make sure you understand the health and safety procedures they will be implementing. Once you have a grasp of what those policies are, share them with your child and explain how important it is to follow them. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, it’s important to remain diligent and aware of the most up-to-date information provided by your child’s district. 

The Perfect Homework Station

If you previously helped your child transition to at-home schooling, you know very well the importance of creating a dedicated learning space within your home.

When you provide a designated homework station for your child, they are likely to be more productive. And if you give them the freedom to design and select their favorite supplies to use in this space, they will be in a better mood as they study and complete their assigned work.

For a few tips on creating the perfect homework station, check out our blog!

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