Your Back to School Check List

Your Back to School Check List

Pencils—check, paper—check, cool new back pack—check, mental readiness for school—wait, what? As you are checking off your child’s supply list make sure they are mentally ready for school to start again. Are they ready for the stress of school work? Are they still having issues with that one kid who wouldn’t leave them alone last year? Does your unorganized kid have a plan to stay better organized this year?

Helping your child be mentally ready for school is just as important as to be physically ready for school. Do they have the self-confidence to handle “that one kid”? Are they ready for the school work? Last school year did they have issues with anxiety because of school? Are you concerned your child will still have some “behavior issues”?

I know that it is summer and we are all busy with doing the fun stuff, taking vacations, playing at the beach, enjoying family time. But as you get closer to school starting and getting your kids and yourself ready to go back to school take a moment or two to think about issues that may need to be addressed before starting school again.

Some kids are very scared to go back to school for many reasons. It could be bullies, teachers, work load, peer pressure, or something else. Have a very open conversation with your kids about how they are feeling about school starting. Try to reassure them of their worries and fears about starting school. Yes, of course most kids do not want school to start because well, it is school and they are kids. But, if it is more than that then it needs to be addressed.

If you feel they are not ready for school to start for one of these reasons be proactive and preventative about it. Seek counseling services for your child. You and their therapist can help them together. Sometimes kids are more willing to tell a therapist they trust what they worry about then mom or dad. Find a therapist you trust and begin the work of getting your child mentally ready for school. It is better to start now then waiting for a couple of months when there is an actual problem.

Have a talk with the school administration and make them aware of your child’s concerns about returning to school. Is your child starting a new school? Are they the new kid? This can be hard too. Help them try to make friends before school starts. Get them involved in summer sports or church activities over the summer so they at least have a few familiar faces before September roles around.  

Starting school in the fall can be stressful for many kids, but it doesn’t need to be if things are handled in a way that helps your child feel safe. Every child should feel safe at school. This takes lots of work and communication. Many schools have anti-bullying policies in place to help children who are being bullied by peers. There are other helps in place for kids who struggle with organization and school work. There are aids and tutors who can help.

If your kid is the one who has “behavior issues” what could be causing it? Are there issues at home that is causing the acting out behavior? Things that happen at home can roll over to school and cause issues there as well. Some kids however who are struggling at home thrive at school because of the routine school provides.

Then there are kids struggle with worrying about if they will have the things they need to start school. They worry about having nice clothes and shoes so they feel like they fit in with their peers. For many kids that feel this way, this is a big worry that needs to be addressed and have a plan for them to have what they need.

Start your kids off on the right foot to have a successful school year. Don’t set them up for failure. Also, if you are struggling with getting things for your kids for school do not be afraid to reach out. Many schools and communities have back to school collections to help families who may need the extra boost. If you and your family can help with one of these drives by donating supplies for kids going back to school, please do so. When you do, you are making an investment in a kid’s future and helping to set them up for success!