Returning to school can create stress for children and parents. Building kids’ confidence can be helpful and there are various ways to help them feel more assured. Strengthening connection through fun activities, appropriate chores or responsibilities, showing them support and encouraging creativity are all proven methods. Guiding a child in increasing their confidence can help them long term and assist in navigating change.

Creating a consistent schedule is another strategy to facilitate the transition when preparing for school, and allowing a child to have reasonable choices in the scheduling can help the process go more smoothly. For example, a parent could set the time range for bedtime, then allow the child to decide how and in what order the tasks they normally do will be completed (reading, bathing, brushing teeth, etc.). Any change can create stress in the family, but if there are preventive strategies put in place, that will hopefully lessen those concerns. It is essential to utilize mindfulness and patience during this time of year.

Seeking professional help may be warranted if a parent is having concerns implementing the strategies or the child starts to exhibit concerning behaviors that include separation anxiety, avoidance in returning to school and negative behaviors in school or at home, or if the child starts to express having physical symptoms that do not have other contributing factors (stomachache, headache, etc.). A therapist can help clients that have concerns by creating a safe space to process emotions and develop healthy coping skills. Being with animals can be extremely therapeutic and helpful in addressing life transitions and maintaining optimal mental health.