The start of the school year means changes in the whole family’s routine. Some teens welcome the return to the school routine; others resist it. Some teens feel excited; others feel anxious. While all these feelings are normal, it can make the transition difficult so it’s important to help prepare your children. Although most teens don’t think they need any help getting back in the swing of things, reestablishing some structure in the home for the school year is a good idea. Although they’re nearly grown, teens still need some guidance and oversight in order to set them up for success in the fall.
Here are some tips for parents to make the change from summer to school a little easier.
Address First-Day Jitters
It is very normal for teens to feel nervous to start a new school year. Do not belittle their fear. Remind them that almost every kid is feeling anxious and that they have successfully handled many first days back to school in their past. Ask what their specific concerns are and see if they are ways you can reduce their anxiety. For example, if they worry about getting lost in a new school, try to visit ahead of time or obtain a map.
Encourage Students to Eat Breakfast and Lunch
Regular meals help control mood and the ability to concentrate. Breakfast gives students the fuel they need to focus on their school work. If your teen does not like to eat breakfast, encourage them to consider eating a small protein bar on the way to school. If your teen dislikes the school lunch, give them lots of options for packing a lunch to take with them.
Get Organized
Ask your teen how they like to organize their calendar and school work and then head to the store to purchase supplies. If your teen doesn’t have a preferred organization method, offer them some suggestions to see what they think might work for them. Visual learners might like color-coded binders to use for each class so that they can use those same colors for everything related to that subject area. Teens who love their phones should research organization apps that they can download before school starts.
Create a Family Routine
Before school has started, sit down with your teen and their siblings to establish a routine that works for your whole family. Set up a schedule for the morning that gets everyone out the door on time with as little stress as possible and a schedule for after school that ensures there is enough time to complete homework and participate in extracurricular activities.
Prepare for the Next Day
As part of your family routine, ask your children to prepare everything for school the night before. Backpacks should be packed and waiting by the door. Lunches should be made. Clothes should be decided on and laid out. The routine provides teens stability, helps calm any nerves, and eliminates rushing around in a panic! However, asking your teen to do something doesn’t mean they will actually do it. Make the suggestion but let them decide how to implement it. But if they choose not to prepare the night before and then are in a panic the next morning, don’t bail them out – let them experience the natural consequences of their choice.
Encourage Goals
Studies show that teens who set goals at the beginning of each school year are more likely to succeed academically and have a more positive attitude about school than those who do not set goals. Encourage your teen to write out a list of goals, big and small, that they might like to achieve for the upcoming school year. Goals could include improving their grades, earning a spot on one of the school’s sports teams, or landing a role in the school play. One very important note: These goals should be your teen’s goals, not your goals for them.
Final Thoughts…
Try to instill the idea that school serves a lot of purposes in your children’s lives – such as making friends, trying new things, learning organization skills, and practicing decision-making – all of which will come in handy for the rest of their lives. This concept can help teens feel more positive towards school and avoid thinking it’s a waste of their time. As you discuss the start of the school year, remind your teen that you are available for support. It’s always easier to handle stress when you know someone is on your side.