Back to School Week: Back to school jitters—theirs and yours
by Jennifer Cooper, posted on August 27th, 2010 in Ideas and Inspiration
The night before school started was always spent tossing and turning. Didn’t matter what grade I was entering either. Would anyone notice my clothes were from last year? Who would be in my class? Would I like my new teacher? Would she like me? What I didn’t know back then, that I do now, is that what I was experiencing is called anxiety.
My first grade school picture
Even though my school days are long gone, I still get the back to school jitters. Except now it’s over my children’s first day.
I guess that’s why yesterday, when I put out the call on Twitter and Facebook for how to wrap up our Back to School Week, this request jumped out at me:
Ummm, easing first day jitters… Theirs and yours!
Let me say that I’m no therapist. But I have learned a couple things that may help with making those back to school jitters a little less, well, jittery.
Do a Little Recon
Them
If it’s the first time your child is going to a new school, pay a visit to the school with your child before the first day. Many schools hold open houses where kids get a chance to briefly meet their teachers, see the classroom and scout out the location of the nearest bathroom.
You
Introduce yourself and your child to the teacher but don’t pounce on her with a run down of your child’s likes, dislikes and any problems you fear they’ll encounter. Be friendly but don’t overwhelm. She’s meeting everyone for the first time too.
Buddy Up
Them
See if you can’t find a kid (or two) who’s also attending your child’s new school. Set up a play date at the playground so the kids can get to know each other. Seeing a friendly face at school helps set a mind at ease.
You
Ask the neighbors what they know about the school. If that isn’t an option, call the school and ask if they can put you in touch with another family who goes there. If they’re unsure (because of privacy laws) ask if you can speak to someone on the PTA. These parents are usually more than happy to speak to a new family.
***“But wait!” You say. “School starts on Monday and I haven’t done any of these things. You’re making me more anxious now. AAHHHHH!”***
Deep breaths. Okay, you’re right. Some of these tips have expired, ’tis true. But have no fear, there are still some things you can do. Plus these next ones are really for any gradeschooler (not just those entering kindergarten).
Prepare the Night Before
Theirs
Before bed, have the kids pick out their clothes and ask them what they’d like in their lunch for the first day.
Yours
Have things ready to go the night before: lunches packed, baths taken, clothing laid out. Then take some extra time to read a book together, chat and ease into the bedtime routine. Just don’t make it run too long. They need all the sleep they can get.
Discuss
Theirs & Yours
Talk to your kids. Let them know they’re not alone in feeling nervous. It’s normal. If they have any questions, help them brainstorm solutions. Question: How will I know what bus to get on? Response: Who can you ask for help?
Just make sure you don’t dwell too long. We can end up talking too much which it makes it worse. Do your best to stay light and positive.
Which brings us too…
Monkey See Monkey Do
Kids pick up our moods. If you’re feeling overly anxious, here are some thoughts to keep in mind: Kids are resilient and smart. And they’re going to a place full of trained caring professionals.
And I know this doesn’t exactly fit in here, but here’s another one to help ease jitters: tuck a note in with lunch. It’s a little reminder of home and that you’re there for them. For younger kids who can’t read yet, include a picture, drawing or doodle.
Enjoy Yourselves!
Theirs
Remember to give the kids at least half an hour or so to decompress after the big day. If you’re home when the kids get home, start a tradition of having sharing an after school snack. If not, set aside a few moments when you do get home for a cup of tea, glass of lemonade, or whatever floats their boat.
Yours
Breathe a lovely deep cleansing sigh of relief. You made it!
Do you have a school or first day picture you’d like to share? Post it on our fan page and share your back to school memories.
great advice! best of luck to the cooper kids as they enter a new school year.
Jennifer Cooper Says:
Ms. Curtiss Says:
Jennifer Cooper Reply:
September 1st, 2010 at 5:00 pm
That would be a great meme! And I too loved, loved, loved school. Not so much the middle school years but, you know, how many of us actually enjoyed those? Right?
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