As the last long weekend of summer approaches, many kids start to feel the stress and anxiety of back to school. Here are some tips and tricks to make your family’s transition from summer to school an easier one.

PLAN AHEAD AND GET YOUR CHILD INVOLVED
Have your child get their backpack and school supplies ready early to avoid being unprepared at the last minute.  Let them make a list of their favourite lunch items and get them involved in meal prep and packing their lunch bag.

START GETTING INTO A ROUTINE
In the days leading up to the first day of school, make small changes to start getting your child back into a routine. During the summer months it’s not uncommon for bedtimes to get extended and for mornings to start a little later.

LISTEN TO YOUR CHILD’S CONCERNS AND/OR STRESSORS
Does your child seem stressed about heading back to school?  Talk to your child about what’s bothering them. Did they struggle the previous school year? If so, a registered psychologist can help increase their executive functioning and organization skills related to homework completion and study habits. A registered psychologist can also help identify learning disabilities or giftedness and make suggestions to get your child the support they need to succeed in the classroom.

Let your child know that you understand their nerves and concerns. Make sure they know where to go if they need someone to talk to.

FIND YOUR BALANCE
Kids aren’t the only ones that can experience back to school anxiety; it’s common for parents too.  If your child is starting a new school, talk to neighbours or other students to find out more about the programs and offerings available. Find out how parents can get involved and be a part of the process with your child.

DON’T OVERSCHEDULE

School, homework and extracurricular activities can become overwhelming for both parents and children. Make sure you’re not taking on more than you or your child can handle.

If you find you or your child are having a hard time coping with the anxiety of getting back into a routine and back to school, one of our registered psychologists can help. Call us today at 905.814.8200 or visit our home page to learn more about the services we have available.