Looking for an Easy Transition Back to School?

My street, that has been serenely quiet for 2 months, was a buzz this week with children’s chatter and giggles. There’s definite excitement in the air as another school year begins.

Some children will navigate this time with ease and others will be full of angst. If your child is in the latter group you’re likely carrying around some worry about how they’re going to manage this coming year. Now we know that worry won’t help, so let’s look at some simple steps for you to take that will help.

Step 1: Repeat the following three times - and out loud like you believe it! No cheating here. :)

“My child is capable of being resilient, adaptable and self-confident.”

Step 2: Visualize your child as already being there.

See their relaxed and happy face in other circumstances, and transfer it to school. Now picture you waving, relaxed and assured, as they go off to school with confidence. This is your goal for them– it may take a bit of time, but it can be done.

Step 3: Look for opportunities to encourage these attributes of resilience, adaptability and self-confidence in your child. Dig a little and I bet you’ll find many. Here are 3 ideas to get you started.

1. Don’t take away the ‘surprises’ in life. If you manage their life so it will go smoothly, for example – organize their pack, make their lunch, tell them yet again the plans for the day, book their play dates, etc. – how are they going to learn to handle the struggles and surprises of everyday life?

Or, perhaps you manage their life so your life will run more smoothly? Kids that pitch in, make decisions, and have a voice in family life feel more capable and confident. So be less quick to fix and find ways for them to take charge.

2. Next, make a sign reading “Mistakes are okay in our house” and post it in a prominent place. After all, if you’re going to do less for them it could be ‘ugly’ for a little while! You perfectionists out there will be shuddering but stay with me. Your child needs to be free of the fear of failure to embrace life fully, be adventurous and take some risk. So share the biggest goof of your day at dinner tonight, and sign the family up for wall climbing this weekend.

3. Confidence starts close to home. Children that can master their own community are then ready to master others. Some suggestions:

· Walk and talk. Walk to school, to local shops, to the park and talk about the streets, and the people that live in the homes you pass.
· Let your child lead. Have them show you how to cross a street safely, how to get home from here, and where the bus picks up.
· Encourage your child’s voice. Have them say hello to the crossing guard, place their own order to the ice cream vendor, and get to know the neighbours.

Good luck and we’re here to help if you could use a bit more parenting support and guidance. A great place to start is to check out our selection of Fall Classes at

parentingnetwork.ca!

Stay well!

Beverley Cathcart-Ross