Hello!

It’s common for kids to struggle to go back to school after a break. Whether they are wrapping up summer vacation, a winter break, or an extended family trip, it is hard for many kids to transition back to school.

For some kids, even returning to school after a two-day weekend is hard.

While kids sometimes can identify how they feel and why, they more often express their emotions through their behavior. When kids are stressed, sad, or frustrated about returning to school after a break, they might moan, complain, cry, or have an angry meltdown.

Kids might make wild negative predictions regarding the future, either because they believe them or because they might be unconsciously trying to bait you into a fight. It’s often easier to accept our emotions when we feel we have a valid reason for them, such as an argument with another person. 

The night before and the morning of a return to school tend to be times when kids struggle the most.

What’s a parent to do?

#1 Plan fun activities in the afternoon and evening the day before returning to school.

Kids who have a positive distraction will have less time to dwell on returning to school the next day. This strategy will also force you to ensure your kids don’t leave assignments or projects until the night before returning to school.

#2 Prepare your kids to get good sleep the night before returning to school.

What do you usually do to get your kids to sleep well? Kids do best if they:

• Get plenty of physical activity or exercise earlier in the day

• Have a bedtime routine with a fixed bedtime

•  Receive a reliable sleep aid from a parent on the nights when they cannot sleep

#3 Don’t argue with your kids the day before or the day of returning to school.

Kids are usually not being rational or reasonable when they make outlandish, pessimistic predictions of future events. Arguing with them usually does not convince them or make the situation better.

Instead, acknowledge that you see that things are hard for them and point out what the next task is, such as going to bed or putting on their shoes to leave the house. If they are open to encouragement, you can help them remember the aspects of school they like (e.g., recess, seeing friends, lunch, art, music).

#4 Give yourself margin in your work and personal schedule on the day of returning to school.

Planning ahead with work can pay huge dividends. If your child struggles emotionally, moves slowly, or needs a late start on their first day back at school, there is no need to add to your own stress by being late for work.

If you can, arrange with your boss to arrive 2 hours late, work half a day, or take the day off. Your kiddo might need you to stop at McDonald’s or Starbucks on the way to school, give them a supportive pep talk, or provide them extra time to cope with their emotions before getting themselves in the school building.

While some kids with severe school anxiety need the support of a therapist, most kids who struggle getting back to school after a break can succeed with the help of their parents. Planning ahead and using these strategies can make their return to school much smoother. It will decrease their stress and yours!

Warmest regards,

Len

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