The start of a new school year can bring a mix of emotions for families, especially when a child or teenager has learning differences. While many may feel apprehensive, thoughtful preparation can make this transition smoother. Here are some tips to help your child feel supported and confident as they head back to school:
Focus on Points of Reconnection
At the end of the school day, a parent or carer should be there to emotionally reconnect with your child. This could be with a comforting smile, a hug, a favorite meal, or a show ready to watch together. Let your child know what the plan will be for after school, and follow through by welcoming them back into the safe haven of home. For some children, not many words will be exchanged, while others may have a lot to share about their day. Either way, the gesture of a parent or carer saying, “I’m here, and you got through the first day,” can be incredibly reassuring.
Build Bridges with Teachers
Teachers will be working hard to establish relationships with their students and foster trust so they can take the lead role in the classroom. Parents can support this effort by finding things in common with the teachers and making sure their children know about any shared interests or experiences. This helps create a sense of connection and collaboration.
Normalize Anxious Feelings
It’s not just kids who feel nervous—teachers do too! The anxiety alarm is doing its job well at the start of a new school year if your child is feeling apprehensive and asking lots of “what if” questions. Anxiety tries to make as many of the unknowns known as possible by problem-solving through different scenarios and outcomes. It’s also making sure the body has enough energy with good stress hormones to stay alert to all the new information. Of course, these stress hormones can sometimes leave us with uncomfortable sensations in our bodies.
Lean on Executive Functioning Support
Let your child rely on an adult’s executive functioning and organizational skills to get ready for the school term. Anxious feelings can make it harder to plan and problem-solve, so embrace tools like calendars, checklists, visual schedules, and color-coding systems. These can provide clarity and reduce anxiety about what’s coming next.
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