Smooth Sailing for the School Year: Tips from a Therapist
As the new school year comes to full swing, it's natural for both parents and students to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. To make this transition easier, consider these practical strategies:
Plan the New Routine: Sit down as a family to map out the new school schedule, extracurricular activities, and other commitments. A clear, organized plan helps everyone know what to expect and reduces feelings of overwhelm. Use a visual schedule or calendar to keep track of daily routines and upcoming events.
Practice Mindfulness: Encourage mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or short meditation sessions to stay calm during this busy period. Mindfulness helps focus on the present moment and ease anxiety. For example, try a deep breathing exercise where you inhale for four seconds, hold for four seconds, and exhale for four seconds.
Create a Self-Soothe Kit: Put together a collection of calming items that can help manage stress, such as stress balls, soothing music, a piece of gum, or favorite scents. Keeping this kit handy in your bag or car provides comfort and a quick way to handle stressful moments.
Teach Emotion Management: Help your child learn to manage their emotions using “I feel” statements. For example, instead of saying, "I'm upset," they could say, "I feel frustrated because I don’t understand this homework." This method helps them express and address their feelings more clearly.
Allow Time to Unwind: Schedule a 30-minute to one-hour break between school and other activities for everyone to relax. Use this time for quiet activities like reading or unwinding. This transition period helps move from school demands to home life more smoothly, reducing burnout and promoting a more relaxed evening.
By using these strategies, you can help ensure a smoother and more confident start to the school year for both you and your child.