It’s hard to believe, but it’s time to send our children back to school! While this can be an exciting time for parents, students, and educators, it can also cause anxiety and stress. To help with this, we offer the following tips and reminders for everyone:
- Establish routines: Start back-to-school routines, like waking up early and eating breakfast, at least a week before school starts. This can help students feel more prepared and reduce anxiety.
- Adjust bedtime: Gradually move bedtime earlier a few days before school starts to help students get used to early mornings.
- Create a study area: Set up a quiet, distraction-free place at home for students to do homework and study.
- Get organized: Make sure students have everything they need, like uniforms and equipment, and figure out how they’ll get to school.
- Communicate with teachers: Talk with teachers and other support people to get recommendations for helping students return to school.
- Involve students in decisions: Ask students what they want to do, like whether they’ll ride the bus or walk to school.
- Establish healthy habits: Help students choose and prepare healthy snacks and lunches, and encourage them to find physical activities they enjoy.
- Set a homework schedule: Following a schedule can help students feel more confident and comfortable, and may lead to better behavior.