Getting Kids Emotionally and Mentally Ready For A New School Year

I know there's still a couple weeks to go but still, let's talk about it...

Getting kids ready for a new school year isn’t just about finding the perfect backpack or debating whether they really need those sparkly new shoes—it’s also about getting them emotionally prepped for the big day. After all, starting school again can feel like stepping onto a rollercoaster: exciting, nerve-wracking, and a little stomach-churning all at once. So, let’s talk about how you can help your little (or not-so-little) one feel more ready to take on the new school year with a smile—hopefully without needing a pep talk every five minutes.

Keep the Conversation Open (But Not Like a TED Talk)
   Talk About Feelings: Sit down and have a chat with your child about how they’re feeling about school starting again. Try not to make it a grand, serious discussion—keep it light. They might be psyched to see their friends again or dreading the thought of math class. Let them know it’s totally okay to feel all the feels, even if those feelings include a deep loathing of homework.
   Address Concerns: If they’re worried about something specific, like making friends or surviving gym class, talk it through. Sometimes, just knowing you’re there to listen can turn a mountain of worry into a molehill.

Ease Back into Routine (Yes, This Means Bedtime)

    Adjust Bedtimes: If summer turned into a “stay up till the stars come out” fest, it’s time to start reeling that back in. Gradually moving bedtime earlier will make those school mornings less of a “zombie apocalypse.”

   Introduce Structure: Maybe start tossing in some structured activities, like reading time or puzzles, to get their brains back into gear. It’s like dusting off the cobwebs—except in this case, it’s from their summer-brain.

Highlight the Good Stuff (Because There Is Some, We Promise)
   Focus on the Positives: Hype up the fun parts of school, like seeing friends, learning cool new stuff, or playing sports. If all else fails, remind them of the lunch breaks and the fact that recess still exists.
   Set Simple Goals: Get them to think about one or two things they want to achieve this year, like finally figuring out long division or not losing a single jacket to the lost-and-found abyss. Small wins, right?

Get Familiar with the School (So It Doesn’t Feel Like a Maze)
   Take a Tour: If it’s possible, take a trip to the school before the first day. Familiar surroundings can make the first day feel less like stepping into uncharted territory and more like, “Oh yeah, I know this place.”
   Meet the Teacher: Meeting the teacher before school starts can turn a potential “stranger danger” situation into “Oh, this person’s cool—maybe.”

Encourage Social Connections (Because Friends Make Everything Better)
   Plan Playdates: Reconnecting with friends before school starts can make the first day less daunting. Plus, it gives you a break from being the sole source of entertainment.
   Get Involved in Activities: Encourage them to join a club or sports team. It’s a great way for them to find their tribe—and for you to add “Soccer Mom/Dad” to your résumé.

Show Confidence (Even If You’re Secretly Panicking)
   Stay Positive: Kids are like emotional sponges—if you’re freaking out, they probably will too. Keep it cool, calm, and collected, even if you’re secretly mourning the end of summer yourself.
   Problem-Solve Together: If they’re stressed about something, brainstorm solutions together. It’s like a mini “choose your own adventure,” except the adventure is surviving the school year.

Practice Relaxation (Because Freaking Out Isn’t Fun)
   Introduce Mindfulness: Teach them a few simple breathing exercises or mindfulness tricks they can use when they’re feeling overwhelmed. It’s like handing them a “keep calm” button they can press whenever school gets a bit too much.
   Create a Calm Spot: Set up a cozy corner at home where they can chill out after school. Think of it as their personal “do not disturb” zone.

Stay Connected (Without Hovering Like a Helicopter)
   Check-In Often: Once school starts, regularly ask your kid how things are going. It doesn’t have to be a big thing—just a casual “How was your day?” can go a long way.
   Be Involved: Attend school events or volunteer when you can. Not only does this keep you in the loop, but it also shows your child you’re invested in their school life (without being too in-their-face about it).

Encourage Independence (Because You Won’t Be There to Remind Them of Everything)
   Give Them Responsibility: Let them take charge of small tasks like packing their own lunch or organizing their backpack. It’s like training wheels for life skills.
   Support Problem-Solving: When challenges come up, encourage them to think of solutions themselves. You’ll be surprised at how capable they can be (and you get to sit back and say, “I taught them that”).

Know When to Seek Help (Because Sometimes, You Need Backup)
   Consider Professional Support: If your child’s anxiety seems off the charts, don’t hesitate to reach out to a counsellor or psychologist. Sometimes, a little extra help is just what they need to feel ready to take on the world—or at least the school year.

With a little preparation, some humor, and a lot of patience, you can help your child feel ready to face the new school year with confidence. And who knows? Maybe this year, they’ll even make it to the bus on time—without you having to yell “Hurry up!” a dozen times.