It’s that time of year once again - the end of summer is slowly approaching and back to school is inevitable!
As summer ends, we experience the transition from free summer days to structure and routine. It’s a difficult time of year for our children and youth; back to rules, schedules, and extra-curricular activities! How do we help our children transition back into a “regular” routine?
I’m sure that this year our youth will experience a little more fear and angst with going back to school. Their memories of the previous year (masks, restrictions and social distancing) are sure to be fresh in their minds. With this will come more worries, stress, and anxiety. With that said, how can we as parents, teachers, and caregivers make this transition as worry-free as possible?
Connection is crucial when dealing with children. I think the first thing we can do is talk to our child. Ask them their thoughts and feelings about returning to school. Sit down with them (with no electrical devices by your side) and be truly present. The best gift we can give our children is our presence, and this is the best way to parent. Let them talk without interrupting or judging, and be a conscious listener. Listen to their concerns and worries, and when they’re done speaking, come up with a plan that includes strategies to help with their concerns. When we practice being a conscious listener, it shows them that we genuinely care and are interested - this forms a connection.
If your child suffers with worries and anxiety, it’s important to let them know they’re not alone. Here are some tips you could discuss with your child:
· Let them know that everyone has some form of worries or fears, but if we focus on the worries instead of the good things in life, these worries can grow and lead to stress and anxiety.
· Explain to them that anxiety isn’t a stop sign, and there are strategies to help – meditation, mindfulness, breathwork, affirmations, and switching from fear-based thoughts to good-feeling thoughts are just a few. (There is more detail on teaching these strategies to children and youth in my book, Empowering our Future)
· Validation is crucial – “It is tough, I get it” let them know that you hear and see them, and that them being here matters.
· Make them aware of the many strengths of an anxious brain – compassion, empathy, sensitivity, and creativity are a few
· Let them know that people who struggle with anxiety are the bravest humans of all. They get up every day and go into the world to face their fears.
· Cultivate a sense of belonging by telling them how important they are in this world. They are unique with talents and gifts that no one else has.
Lastly, it’s essential to verify to them that we all have struggles, but there are things we can do to manage them. They must understand that brave is whatever feels brave for them, and it’s different for all of us. Brave isn’t always doing the obvious. Brave is remaining true to your core beliefs and values.
I hope these tips will help to ease your child’s anxiety. This is definitely a stressful time for children and parents, but I have so much faith that all of you will guide our children, be aware of their emotions, demonstrate compassion and empathy, and lastly, teach them strategies to help!
If you are interested in more information on strategies that can be used to help our children adjust and manage their fears and anxiety, my book provides more detail. It is available on Amazon, or there is a direct link on my website!
Until next time…. you got this!