For many children and their parents around the country, summer vacation is officially over! While exciting, going back to school comes with a unique set of challenges for many families. As a mental health counselor who works with children, adolescents, and their parents, here are 2 tips that I believe will help make the transition easier for you and the kids.
Set Realistic Expectations for Sleep, Diet, and Schedule Changes
Going back to school often leads to big disruptions in sleep and diet! The school schedule often necessitates earlier bedtimes and wake up times. At the same, these schedule disruptions may influence dietary changes. For example, an earlier morning might mean a quicker and easier breakfast option like a protein bar instead of bacon and eggs.
All of this change at once can affect your child’s mood, along with your own! The human brain craves routine and structure, and anytime there is a transition, no matter how joyful or exciting, we can struggle with mood difficulties or anxiety. In fact, when something happens that the brain is not expecting or outside of its routine, the human limbic system often produces a “Fight or Flight” response.
To prepare for potential mood disturbances and anxieties, set realistic expectations about how you will handle and navigate these changes. Don’t expect an instant adjustment to all these changes. And when anxiety and sadness come, take time to acknowledge the stress and offer it to our Lord. Encourage your child to do the same and accompany them in the discomfort!
Plan Weekly Opportunities for Quality Time
Whether you’re sending your kid to public school, parochial school, or home schooling, the amount of free time and flexibility to plan that you had over the summer is likely drastically decreasing. Prioritize to the best of your abilities and circumstances opportunities to connect with and recreate with your child.
A 2023 study found that the amount of time a parent spent with children in leisure and, particularly a father’s involvement in educational activities, positively correlated with a child’s increased sense of well-being. The study went on to imply that individual time with each of your children will allow you to identify differences in individual developmental needs.
Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and disinterested service are the rule. the home is well suited for education in the virtues. Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2223
Research is validating the reality that parents are their child’s first and primary teacher! Activities that increase connection between you and your child such as games, exercise, or simple discussion can increase the quality of your communication and thus your child’s trust in you. While in certain seasons difficult, investment in this relationship can bear incredible fruit for Christ’s kingdom and your individual life! As social connection has been clinically proven to lower depression and anxiety, it can also help you and your family better cope with the added stress that so often comes with transitions!
In conclusion Back to School can be a stressful time of year. It’s important for parents to set realistic expectations for both themselves and their children. As with all seasons of life, communion with each other and Our Lord provides us with the accompaniment we need to flourish in any circumstance!
From all of us at CMF CURO we wish you a wonderful school year!
