Back to School: Supporting Your Child’s Emotional & Social Well-Being

When someone says “back to school,” thoughts that immediately come to mind mostly revolve around adjusting your family’s schedule to fit in with the school’s timetable, getting the right supplies and stationery ready, and adapting to the new workload your child will be required to complete. With so much to consider and focus on, it’s easy to overlook the crucial aspect of supporting your child’s emotional and social well-being during this transition. 

We’ve gathered some simple strategies and suggestions to help your child adjust to new teachers, environments, and classmates, develop a healthy sleep routine, promote nutritious eating habits, manage anxiety and stress related to schoolwork and social interactions, and foster positive relationships while addressing issues like bullying and peer pressure.

Helping Children Adjust to New Environments, Teachers, and Classmates

Visit the School: Arrange a visit to the school before the first day to familiarize your child with the environment. If possible, see if you can go inside, meet some of the staff and explore the classrooms and grounds.

First Day Reassurance: Let your child know that teachers understand students might feel anxious on the first day and will go the extra mile to ensure everyone feels at ease. If your child appears worried, encourage them to share their concerns and work together to find solutions to make the transition smoother.

Talk About Expectations: Discuss what a typical school day will look like, including routines, breaks, and after-school activities. This helps set clear expectations at new schools, or reiterate the existing expectations for returning students.

Role-Playing: For elementary children, practice scenarios like meeting new friends or asking the teacher for help. Role-playing can reduce anxiety about new social situations.

Create a Comfort Item: If your child tends to suffer from anxiety around separation after a long break from school routines, let your child bring a small comfort item, like a favorite keychain or a family photo, to school. This can provide emotional reassurance.

Establish Routines: Set up consistent morning and evening routines a week or so before school starts, to provide a sense of stability and predictability before the big switch.

Developing A Healthy Sleep Routine

Adjust To Earlier Bedtimes: Start adjusting your child’s bedtime a week or two before school starts to help them transition smoothly into new routines.

Set a Consistent Bedtime: Establish and stick to a consistent bedtime every night. Adequate sleep is crucial for your child’s health and academic success, as lack of sleep is linked to lower academic performance and higher rates of absenteeism and tardiness. 

Create a Calming Routine: Develop a consistent pre-bedtime routine to help your child relax and fall asleep. This could include a bath or shower, reading together, and a goodnight tuck-in.

Limit Screen Time Before Bed: Ensure your child turns off electronic devices well before bedtime. Maintain a quiet and calm environment to help younger children fall asleep.

Promoting Healthy Eating During the School Day

Start with a Nutritious Breakfast: Children who eat a nutritious breakfast perform better in school, with improved concentration and energy levels. If your school does not provide breakfast, ensure your child eats a protein-rich meal before leaving home. 

Explore School Food Options: Investigate the food options available inside and outside the cafeteria, including vending machines, a la carte items and school stores. These should offer healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, and water. Familiarize yourself with the school wellness policy and join school groups to support healthy eating initiatives. If your child brings food from home, prioritize nutritious options.

Opt for Healthier Beverages: Encourage healthier drink choices by sending water in your child’s lunch. A single 12-ounce soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories, with just one soda a day increasing a child’s risk of obesity by 60%.

Managing Anxiety or Stress Related to Schoolwork and Social Interactions

Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings and listen without judgment. Validate their concerns and let them know it’s okay to feel anxious or stressed.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teach simple mindfulness exercises or deep-breathing techniques to help manage stress. Apps and guided videos can be helpful.

Break Tasks into Manageable Steps: Help your child break down schoolwork into smaller, more manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Provide a Safe Space: Ensure there is a quiet, comfortable place at home where your child can relax and unwind after school.

Stay Involved: Regularly check in with teachers to monitor your child’s progress and address any academic or social issues early.

Encouraging Positive Relationships and Dealing with Bullying or Peer Pressure

Model Positive Behaviour: Demonstrate how to interact positively with others. Show empathy, kindness, and respect in your interactions.

Discuss Friendship: Talk about what makes a good friend and how to be a good friend in return. Encourage inclusive behaviour and standing up for others.

Identify Trusted Adults: Help your child identify trusted adults at school, such as teachers or counsellors, whom they can approach if they face any issues.

Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Equip your child with strategies to resolve conflicts, such as using “I” statements, finding compromises, and knowing when to seek adult help.

Address Bullying Directly: Educate your child about what bullying is and encourage them to speak up if they or others are being bullied. Reassure them that it’s not their fault and that it’s important to tell an adult.

Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward positive social interactions and efforts to make new friends. Celebrate small victories in building relationships.

Highlight the exciting parts of starting school: Help your kids anticipate the first day with enthusiasm. Discuss how they will reunite with old friends and have the chance to meet new ones.

Conclusion

By being a proactive parent and addressing these areas, you can significantly support your child’s social and emotional well-being, making the return to school a more positive and less stressful experience for everyone!

And remember, BrightSparkz Tutors are always here to help too! Our brilliant tutors can provide a recap on difficult subjects and offer consistent support for any subject that’s bothering your child, ensuring they start the school year with confidence and ease. Let us help make this school year their best one yet! Get a tutor today.