It's Back to School Time!
Back to School Time
Believe it or not, it is back to school time! Here in central Indiana, we have schools resuming as early as next week! As much as we all love summer, there is something about starting school that brings everyone excitement. From new shoes to new supplies, there is a sense of newness that comes this time of year. With all that excitement, there are feelings of anxiety and worry that can come with the change. Times of transition can be a trigger for some students, and those feelings of anxiety and concern might not always show in the way that we as adults would expect. They might demonstrate sadness, acting out, anger, risk taking behavior, obsessive behaviors, and a variety of other ways.
I know for my two children, one of them shows their anxiety in anger and the other one needs constant reassurance for everyday kinds of things like using the restroom or going outside to play. Since every child is different, we cannot write a “flow chart” about how to address these feelings and behaviors, but communication is the most effective strategy.
Having honest conversations surrounding the behavior and the way they feel will open that door of communication. I have included some pointers and things that have worked for our family in having these conversations below, but that is a list of suggestions, and I know there are lots of other ways. The important thing to remember is that the way that children internalize their emotions is different than what we as adults believe or perceive. Their brains are not fully developed until 25, so they process information in a separate way than we do. It is also important to validate their feelings, no matter how silly we as their parent or guardian think it seems.
Ways to build the connection and open the conversation:
Get on their level. Sit together, talk eye to eye and put your phone away.
Talk while playing board games, card games, etc.
Have the conversation doing something with your child that they enjoy doing.
Have these conversations more than once.
Give as much information as possible leading up to the transition- let them know what to expect, what might be different, but also what might be the same as what they are used to.
Expect the first few nights of the new school year to be rough- do not over plan or over commit until the adjustment has been made.
Make it lighthearted but make it personal as well.
Share a time when you felt the way they are feeling and how you handled it.
No matter what tactic you choose to use, remember that more times than not, it takes more than one conversation to get someone to really open up about their feelings. Best of luck in this Back to School season and feel free to visit our website for training opportunities and other helpful resources.
Have a wonderful and safe school year!