Is it back-to-school time for you and your kids? How is everyone feeling about the end of summer changes?
Sad
Worried
Anxious
Excited
I remember my mother laughing
I also remember having no idea why she thought it was so funny.
Of course, now I can look back and see the lighthearted take on the relief that many parents feel when the kids head back to school.
But, I have to wonder if it's really the most wonderful time of the year.
Not every family has an easy time of it.
For some kids, heading back to school means taking on new roles and responsibilities or managing demanding routines and unfamiliar surroundings.
For some parents, the school year may be a dreaded stream of homework negotiations, frustrating IEP meetings, and anxiety or behaviors which worsen as the school year progresses.
Overwhelming schedules, academic pressure, and new or uncertain social demands can all translate into behavior challenges, kids who are reluctant to return to school and families who are emotionally maxed out.
In an attempt to get our kids to accept and adapt, we often try:
convincing
legitimizing
rationalizing
- our position, instead of merely standing by with an understanding ear and an open-heart as our kids move through these stages on their own timeline and in their own way.
In this TEACHable Moments video, I'm sharing three tips to help you and your kids brave the back-to-school blues.
I remember last year when my daughter insisted that she was NOT going to first grade - I made this video.
She was resisting a new school.
She had finally acclimated to her Kindergarten before leaving for a new school, and there was no way I was going to coax, cajole, or convince her to see it any other way.
Telling her "how great this new school would be" did not ease her worries.
What I did instead was patiently listen as she expressed all that she was feeling - over the course of many weeks - and then finally on the first day of school, despite still feeling nervous, she was excited and willing to try.
Most kids will adapt to school transitions eventually, but we have to remember that adjustments take time.
Starting a new school or new grade can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking.
Your attitude makes a HUGE difference.
Stay aware of your child's concerns but also let her know that you are confident that whatever comes up - you can handle it together.
And after you watch, I'd love to hear what your family has experienced in this back-to-school transition time and what has helped your kids!
Leave me a comment below and share your story or idea!
Thanks so much for reading and watching and please remember, it's about being conscious - not perfect!
Talk soon,
Lori
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