Endless fun. Sleeping in. Family time. Summer break was a time many of us looked forward to as kids. But remember how you felt when September started to roll around? While it was exciting to see our friends again, thinking about heading back to school brought a lot of worries. If your child has the back-to-school jitters, we’re here to guide you and your little one with tips from Aliza Shupac.
Aliza Shupac is a registered social worker and psychotherapist. She founded MamaCare to provide new moms with the parenting support she wished she had. Now, with 15 years of experience in her back pocket, she’s here to share her expertise with us.
But I don’t wanna go to school!
You may have heard your child say this, but why? When the new school year is about to start, they may start to wonder: Who’s my new teacher? What will they be like? Will there be lots of homework? Not knowing what’s coming next can bring up big feelings, but it’s hard for the little ones to put their worries into words. Instead, tantrums, anger or tears might be the only way they know to show their discomfort. Remember to be patient with them and all their emotions.
How should I respond?
Part of growing up is learning and experiencing new things, but it can be confusing at times. As parents, it’s our duty to help them understand what they’re going through and that it’s okay to feel the way they do. Give them a helping hand in explaining their feelings, and find ways to ease their mind together. Every kid is different, so it’s important to stay flexible and figure out what works for them.
How can I help them feel confident?
Confidence comes from independence. While we, as parents, want to help them as much as we can, sometimes we have to step back so they can grow. Create opportunities and trust that they can do things on their own. Start by giving them tasks that they’re ready for, like making their own bed or putting the dishes away after mealtime. When they see what they can do, that confidence will shine in other ways too.
How can we prepare for back-to-school?
Slowly guide them into their back-to-school routine so that the change doesn’t happen overnight. If they normally wake up later than the first school bell, set a bedtime and wake-up time. While we can’t exactly mimic the big day, taking a walk around the school grounds can help them become familiar with the environment.
How can parents stay calm through the back-to-school stress?
It’s perfectly normal for parents to feel overwhelmed, and there’s no shame in it! We understand that it’s tough for parents to take care of themselves with their busy schedules. But staying on top of our own self-care helps us be there for our little ones with our full support. Take a moment to go on a stroll or do the things that make you happy. If you feel like you need more care, reach out to a licensed therapist specializing in maternal mental health and parenting.
There’s no perfect solution.
What might work for your family might not work for another, so it’s important to listen to what your little one is trying to say and make sure they feel understood and supported.
If you’re looking to guide your child’s development through nutrition, speak to a regulated healthcare professional. The back-to-school season can bring big feelings for the little one and parents, but with a bit of patience and teamwork, soon you’ll both be heading to school filled with bright, confident energy!
For more helpful resources and a chance to win a back-to-school prize pack featuring a melii bento box and Orange Naturals Kids formulas, visit our Back-to-School hub at orangenaturals.com/back-to-school/.
