Back to school
Transitioning back to school— or starting for the first time—can create extra challenges in our lives as parents or children . Here are some tips that parents and teachers can do to help children make a successful transition to early school.
Starting school can be hard for children and families.
The start of a new school year can mean going back to school after holidays, or attending a program for the first time.
A new year off school often means lots of changes, new routines, and meeting new people. Young children are often wary of strangers and want to stay close to their parents and other familiar caregivers. Until they are old enough to talk clearly about their feelings, it’s hard to explain to them that a new teacher is going to protect them, which means it takes time for children to get used to new people. School-aged children who are sensitive or easily worried, or those who have developmental delays, may need extra time to adjust. It’s often easier for young children to make the transition if they spend some time with their parents and the new person together.
Parents often worry about their child making the transition, and it’s easier for parents to keep calm and be reassuring, if they know their child’s teacher and feel comfortable with them.
For children who start in-person care after a break, changes to the space and to routines can make everything look and feel different. Becoming familiar with others may take longer. Because children look to us, their parents for signs of safety, we may need to put more effort into expressing confidence and security with words and body language in addition to facial expressions. This is particularly important for young children who are not yet able to talk about feelings. Children are generally flexible and can adapt, but strategies that protect children’s health may make transitions to new situations and new people harder.
Even before the pandemic, children’s mental health was a public health concern, and levels of anxiety were on the rise.
Teachers and parents, can help children by planning the transition, making strong connections, and establishing new routines. With the right support, children can adjust to their new program, make new friends, learn new things, and thrive.
What parents and teachers can do to support during transitions
Skilled teachers know how to help children adjust. But with increased worries and stress, it may be good to put a little extra support into the transitions. Here are some tips to help families with the transition.
Make sure that your child has a daily, predictable routine, with regular times for healthy meals, naps, and night sleep at home. Having a rested body and knowing what to expect at home helps children cope.
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Connect with other parents who have children in the same program and can provide information and make them more comfortable with the program.
Talk with your child's teachers about the best way to separate from your child at the start of the day—brief goodbyes are often best.
Try to stay calm and reassuring during transition—using a calm voice, with a relaxed face and body to let your kid know that you wouldn’t leave if they were not safe and protected.
Talk with your child about what to expect and help them with strategies to manage stress and cope with worries, and review positive parenting tips to help children with feelings and behavior.
Monitor your child developmental milestones and learn what to do if there are concerns.
Remember that this is a phase—building new relationships is a skill, and with support, children can be resilient. Even if it’s hard to separate, children will gain a new trusted relationship with their new teacher and feel more secure.
Parents with concerns can take care of themselves during stressful times so they can be better equipped to take care of others.
Find resources to learn how to promote resilience and reduce anxiety.
Talk to a healthcare professional if your child’s symptoms of anxiety or behavior problems are severe or persistent.
Contact a mental healthcare professional for parent training and support so you as a parent can help your child.
For children with new concerns that persist, ask the school for an evaluation to see if the child may need special education services or accommodations. learning.
I know it is a stressful time but be resilient and you will see that our little ones are braver than us. They will make friends in no time and all this period will be left behind.
