Starting the new year right

Happy New Year, families!

I hope that you’re all having a wonderful, restorative winter break with your children. Our team is looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday!

It’s common for students to experience some level of anxiety when returning to school after an extended break. Here are some helpful tips, building on a piece from Parents Magazine, for how to best support your children as they get back in the groove of their school routine:

Re-establish bedtime routines
Determine a bedtime that’s right for your child, make sure they’re aware of the plan, and find a routine that helps them shift into the mindset of winding down and getting good sleep. Examples include limiting screen time an hour before bed, taking a shower or bath, brushing teeth, reading a story, and tucking into bed by a certain time.

Make a visual back-to-school countdown
Knowing what to expect can help to manage your child’s anticipatory anxiety. Help them to create something (a simple sentence on a white board, a paper chain) to mark off each day before school resumes.

Re-visit (or make new) goals for the year ahead
The new year is often a time for reflection and settings our sights on the year ahead. Prompt conversations around shared goals for the remainder of the school year (making it to school on time, setting academic goals, practicing being a kind friend to others) as a way to reinforce expectations.

Celebrate!
Getting back into a routine is hard work for everyone! Having something to look forward to can be a way to reward that effort and enjoy the special family time children have gotten used to over the past two weeks. Plan a family movie or game night, a special dinner, or an activity your child enjoys doing with you as a way to commemorate getting through the first week back to school, together.

Replenish necessities
Consider the comforts that can help your child to feel regulated during the school day. Needed supplies, favorite snacks, preferred fidgets and cozy clothes go a long way when it comes to helping kids feel balanced and comfortable as they navigate their day.

Simplify your mornings
The fewer the steps in the morning, the better! Make a plan with your child to pick out clothes the night before, pack their backpack, check homework. A relaxed morning will help the transition into school feel easier and kids feel more regulated.

It’s okay to feel anxious about returning to school! Don’t jump to trying to take that away or fix it. There is tremendous power in simply validating for your child that how they feel is okay (and normal!) and that they are not alone. Only after you’ve validated those feelings, remind your child that two things can be true! We can experience anxiety and do hard things. The best remedy for school anxiety is consistent follow through when it comes to showing up. Avoidance breeds more anxiety. Remind your child that by coming to school in the face of difficult emotions, they are strengthening their capacity to do hard things!

Please know that if you’d like to chat more with me about how we can work together to best support your child, you can always email me. I’m wishing you all a healthy and happy new year.

Warmly,

Ms. Riggs