“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27 NLT
Going back to school is a time of excitement, but it can also cause anxiety, restlessness, and fear. Not only are children anxious, but parents can experience high stress during this time as well. With a world that’s constantly changing, one of the most important things you can provide for your children is stability and consistency. Putting a plan in place as your children step into the new year will help reduce anxiety and boost confidence.
So how can you as a parent prepare your children to step into the school year with minimal stress and anxiety? Here are seven points to consider at the start of a new school year.
1. Identify your stressors as a parent. We all have different stressors that can easily affect us, and if we’re not careful, even if we don’t intend for it to happen, our stress can be absorbed by our children. It’s important to identify stressors and have a plan to move forward to best serve your children.
2. Check in with your child. If you notice your child is exhibiting signs of stress or anxiety (disrupted sleep, change in mood or behavior, and loss of or change in appetite are just a few of the most obvious external signs), be sure to check in with them. Ask open-ended questions. Ask them how they are feeling about going back to school. Listen closely as they share their feelings and fears. Allow them to lead the conversation and empathize with them. Your child needs an attentive, compassionate ear with sensitivity to their feelings and experiences.
3. Pray for your child. Before your child leaves the house, place your hands on them and pray for their day. Consider sharing a verse of Scripture with them, like Isaiah 41:10: “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand” (NLT).
4. Get a routine going before the school year starts. Often, children struggle to adjust to new routines. Having a morning and bedtime routine will help your child begin their school year the right way. Additionally, setting up a meeting so they can meet their new teacher before the first day of class, or visiting the classroom in advance are a couple practical ways to ease them into their new school schedule.
5. Schedule play dates with classmates. A lot of children dread going back to school because they’re scared of making friends—or they’re scared they won’t make friends. Scheduling time for playdates or hang outs with their peers gives them the chance to get to know their classmates even better, develop friendships organically, and it gives them something to look forward to outside of school.
6. Prioritize your self-care as a parent. As parents, it’s easy to focus so much on our children that we neglect our own well-being. Take care of your health. Prioritize healthy self-care. Practice doing things that bring life and refreshment to you—your family will benefit tremendously from it!
7. Establish a strong support system for your child and yourself. With so many responsibilities, stress can become very overwhelming. Make sure you have a safe place where you can find godly support and talk about your struggles with others—whether that’s with family, close friends, your pastor, or a Christian counselor. Your child also needs the same type of support, and good, healthy relationships to help them navigate through the year.
Dig Deeper
1. What are two helpful open-ended questions you can ask your child as they prepare for the new year?
2. What is one way you can support your child as they seek to build friendships at school?
