North Shore Center Blog, Madison Center Blog
The thrill of new backpacks and lunchboxes and the smell of fresh new school supplies. It’s time to go back to school! It is a very exciting time for teachers and many kids. However, for some children, and their families, going back to school can be a stressful time. A new school year means new teachers and peers and big changes in daily routines. As a result, we may see behavioral changes that can lead to both unhappy parents and children.
So how can we help prep for this upcoming school year?
1. Focus on trying to make small changes in the routine leading up to the first day of school. For instance, waking up your child earlier or setting an earlier bed time. Waking up your child early can allow more time to make sure all morning routine activities get done. Parents can make use of this ample time to allow time for access to something fun after the completion of the routine. In addition, this can help with rigidity that may develop from sameness in routines.
2. Another great way to prepare is by creating a visual schedule for your child to follow, to help them prepare for what lies ahead within their day. I highly prefer using social stories to support big changes. Read a story to your child about a new school year that is beginning and explain the various expectations that come along with this change. Something as simple as talking to your child about new teachers and different activities they will have in school can help your child prepare and understand what the day will look like.
A new school year can be overwhelming, but with minor modifications, these changes won’t be so bad. Good luck!
*This information is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used to replace consultation with your doctor or qualified health professional
