Supporting Your Child for Back-to-School
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The start of the new school year is an exciting time for many students. Reunions with friends after the long summer break, meeting new teachers, entering new schools, making new friends, and engaging in school activities once again are all part of the back-to-school buzz. Parents and caregivers put their logistics expert and homework support technician hats back on to embrace on another educational journey with their child. Teachers, school administrators and staff take a deep breath after working tirelessly to prepare their schools and classrooms so they are ready to welcome new and returning students.
But for some students, it can bring up feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and even fear. From first-year kindergarteners at an elementary school to high school seniors considering upcoming college tours and applications, the start of a new school year can be overwhelming. As parents and caregivers, there are many steps we can take to help our kids have a bright, optimistic start to the year.
- Self Assess: Our kids read and react to our emotions more than we may realize they do, ever our older kiddos. Having your own anxiety as a parent or caregiver of a student is perfectly normal - there's a lot to take in and a lot to do at the start of a new school year! - but it's important to try to manage it in healthy ways so it doesn't affect you or your loved ones. Remember to tackle one thing at a time, give yourself grace and remember that if you're calm and collected about back-to-school, there's a good chance your kiddo will be, too.
- Make It Fun: Take sweet back-to-school pics of your kids and even get them in on the planning. Fill out a metal first day of school sign, a felt letter board or even a handmade poster to commemorate the start of school with some fun facts. Share the photos with your friends, family and your neighbors through our Back-to-School Photo Contest! Winners will be featured right here on My Neighborhood News at the end of the month!
- Send Some Love: Pack a handwritten note in your child's lunch or in the outer pouch of their backpack. Let them know how much you love them, share some words of encouragement or even draw a silly picture that will make them smile. You could even pack a little something special like fun pencils or pack of scented erasers.
- Validate: Feelings are real, and so are theirs. Listen to their concerns and let them know you hear them and you understand. You can also help them make plans for handling any specific aspects of the first day that they’re worried about. This is a great way to teach healthy coping strategies and problem solving skills.
- Reassure Them: When our kids are told that we have their back, it can make a profound difference on how their day goes. You could simply say "I'm so proud of you and I know you will do GREAT today!" A little pep talk can give them the confidence boost they need.
- It's Not Forever: This might seem obvious, but kids can easily get transfixed on the idea that they will be at school so long, they won't have any family or play time once they go back to school. Remind your child that school doesn't last all day long. They will get to have family and play time after school and on the weekends!
However you handle back-to-school, just remember that you (and your kids) got this. On behalf of your My Neighborhood News team, we congratulate all parents and caregivers, teachers, administration and staff, and everyone else involved in back-to-school preparations for all of their hard work to help ensure a strong start to the school year.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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