[Note: This is a sponsored guest post contributed by KinderCare Learning Centers.]
Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or the start of middle school, back-to-school season can bring a range of feelings – from worry to excitement – for the entire family. This year may be more emotional as many families spent the better part of the past two school years at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s important to remember that even in the best of times, it’s normal for children to express feelings of sadness, isolation or stress,” said Tyreca Elliott, from KinderCare Learning Centers’ inclusion services team. “Learning how to address those feelings helps us build self-confidence, resilience, and independence. What’s important is the way adults respond to children’s stress. Offering comfort, reassurance, and assisting with problem solving will help children learn and grow from stress in a positive way.”
As an added bonus, Elliott said many of the most effective ways to help children learn to navigate their feelings work just as well with adults. Consider these three tips to help your children (and yourself) manage emotions during the transition back to school.
Plan Ahead
The fear of the unknown can be stressful. Children who aren’t able to clearly articulate their feelings likely won’t be able to make the connection between new, uncertain situations – like going to school and being around other people – and their feelings. Instead they may become overwhelmed by emotions, which might look like more meltdowns, clinginess or a variety of other behaviors. Talk with your children about how they feel about going back to school ahead of the first day of class. Ask questions to help them determine why they feel particular feelings when they think about school then work together to solve potential issues. That could mean finding a way to meet your children’s teachers ahead of time, whether virtually or in-person, or practicing introducing themselves to classmates.
Build a Consistent Routine
Routines can give children (and adults) a sense of security and structure, which in turn make it easier to cope with big emotions like stress and anxiety. Try to stay consistent, and if you need to make adjustments, talk them through with your children. Be sure to mention key milestones instead of times, particularly if they can’t tell time yet. Make sure your children have opportunities to ask questions about any changes to routines. They may need reassurance before they’re ready to face something new.
Create Special Family Moments
As important as routine is, it’s just as important to prioritize quality time together. That could mean a vacation or something as simple as Saturday bike rides or Sunday morning pancakes. Plan a family outing or special time together to celebrate completing the first week of school. Family rituals and celebrations can give children and adults something to look forward to. Quality time together also helps families build resiliency.
For more tips to navigate back-to-school season, visit Kindercare.com.
About KinderCare® Learning Centers
KinderCare Learning Centers is America’s largest, most accredited child care provider, serving more than 160,000 children every day at more than 1,500 centers. For more than 50 years, we’ve been creating safe, encouraging environments where kids can learn, grow, and build confidence for life. At KinderCare, hardworking families are family — regardless of needs, backgrounds, and experiences.
To learn more, visit online at KinderCare.com, on Facebook, or on Instagram. For resources, information, and activity ideas for parents and teachers of young children, see the KinderCare Blog.
KinderCare locations now open in D.C.:
Watergate KinderCare
Ann Bride, Acting Center Director
2530 Virginia Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20037
833-905-3276
Ages Served: 6 weeks to 5 years
7:30am to 6:3pm, Monday-Friday
Glover Park KinderCare
Dionne Muir-Clark, Center Director
2461 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20007
833-905-3276
Ages Served: 6 weeks to 5 years
6:30am to 6pm, Monday-Friday
Find more area locations here.
