Seven Ways to Ease the Back to School Transition

I am SO excited for this guest post. Let me tell you about my friend BrookeLynne Dukes. She is an Early Childhood Educator turned Parent Coach. What’s a parent coach, you ask? She works with parents 1:1 to help them learn tools to be the best parents through all trials and tribulations of parenthood. She also brings the Insta world some pretty amazing free content that is definitely helping parents heal from their own past traumas and work on themselves as parents too. So when I wanted a post about easing the transition into the school year, I knew that BrookeLynne was the one to call. So without further adieu, here you go!

Seven Ways to Ease the Back to School Transition

1. Return to a Normal Sleep Schedule

I know, I know. It’s kinda nice that they’re sleeping in. It’s so light out at 9 pm anyway. But look, the first day jitters, anxieties, and bumps will all be a lot smoother if everyone doesn’t roll out of bed like they were on the red-eye flying Spirit. Start adjusting bedtimes, wake-ups, and routines back to the usual flow a week or so before. 

2. Drop-Off and Pickup Routine

Make that routine predictable so your kids know it like the back of their hand. Try a secret handshake that you can make up with each child! High-five, kiss, and a fist bump! It doesn’t have to be something big to make it a special moment. That moment is what fills up their metaphorical gas tank, instead of gas, kids run on love, touch, playfulness, and our presence. Take that moment, slow down, be there for ten seconds. It matters.

Our brains seek out patterns, if they know what steps are coming, what to predict it’s easier to transition and get comfortable in that transition.

At pickup, greet them like you haven’t seen them in weeks! (Even if it’s been four hours!) Remind them through your behavior and energy, THEY are the most important people to you.

3. Photos of Where YOU Will Be 

Send your child to school with a photo of where YOU will be when you’re not with them. (At the store, at the office, working from home, etc.) Print one of them at school. So you can both think of where the other is when you miss them. Remind them where you will be and where they will be.

4. Get on the Same Page as your Child’s Teacher

If your child separates better with certain things in place, communicate with the teacher beforehand. Say something like, “I am going to do a hug, kiss and then you scoop. And can you send me a photo when he’s settled?” Then clue your child in too. 

5. Bridging the Gap

Before children feel comfortable with a new adult, they need to have a connection to that person! Your child doesn’t yet have a relationship with their teacher. They have a relationship with YOU! Their attachment system is going to seek out the person at the top of that hierarchy. While they are still developing that relationship, BRIDGE the gap between them and their teacher through a child’s most meaningful language: play.

Let your child’s teacher know, “A great way to build a connection would be reading a book about cars!” Or “Joey would love playing together in the kitchen for a moment!” or “Sarah’s favorite activity is painting at the easel! Do you think she could start there with you to help ease her in in the morning?”

6. Allow Feelings Without Fixing

“You’re allowed to be sad, but you’re going to have so much fun in school!”

“You’re allowed to be mad, but you have so many friends in your classroom!”

Your kids don’t need you to console them, they know all of those things you’re trying to justify with. They need to feel heard.

7. Relate to them and remind them they’re not alone!
   

“I know new things feel hard. New things feel hard for me too. This new thing is even a little hard for me. After school, let’s talk about this feeling that’s hard and any other feelings you had at school today!”

Let us know if these tips help you! And make sure to book your consultation with BrookeLynne via her website now!