This week seems to be the week when majority of students are returning to the classroom, although the schools with balanced calendars such as City of Flint returned in early August. But if you have been on Facebook today, you’ll see the grins and tears in the back-to-school photos of 2022.
Though parents may be putting on a brave face, in a recent survey, 57% of parents consider back-to-school season the most stressful time of the year, according to the New York Post. So, I asked our new Licensed Professional Counselor, Shuntai Walker, MA, LPC, NCC, to offer us a few tips on how to alleviate some anxiety of returning to the classroom. Here overall tips is to be organized.
“Organizing saves time, decreases stress, and minimizes conflict,” explained Shuntai. “Prepare for school the night before, waiting to the morning is too time consuming.”
Here are some tips to help you get started:
SAVE TIME
- Check backpacks - Teachers often send notes, field trip notifications, newsletters, and other important communication home in your child’s backpack. Make it a routine to go through these items.
- Make Lunches - Prepare lunches the night before and put it in the fridge. Anything that doesn’t need to be cold, set it on the counter so it’s waiting for you.
- Decide on the Outfit - Not being able to find the mate to a sock or something to wear in a crunch can be stressful. Plus, if you have a child that’s picky, save yourself the stress of changing clothes 30 times.
DECREASE STRESS
The first day of school can cause parents and children anxiety, excessive worry, and various physical symptoms. It's okay to experience the first day jitters. However, too much stress can cause overthinking, difficulty concentrating, avoidance, stomach pain, muscle tension, and many other symptoms.
The key is being proactive by addressing any worries or concerns your child may have. Begin by normalizing the experience. It’s okay to be a little fearful. Provide comfort and reassurance. If possible, visit the school and help your child familiarize themselves with a new school, teachers, bus route, and schedule. Also, educate your child on what to do in case of an emergency. This won’t eliminate all stress, but it will help you and your child decrease some of it.
MINIMIZE CONFLICT
Adjusting to morning routines after the summer break can be frustrating for the whole family. Sometimes, siblings may find themselves more irritable with one another than normal. Prepare everyone by setting expectations and boundaries ahead of time. If possible, create a to-do list for all family members. Make sure to include who is responsible for what and when it needs to be completed. Provide fun rewards for completion.
“Overall, understand that everyone is stressed over the change and is needing to adjust so be patient with each other,” said Shuntai. “If your child is over-reacting or misbehaving, remember they’re tired, anxious, and going through something new. As their parents, we should focus on helping them navigate the changes by being positive and encouraging them.”
If you or your child isn’t coping very well with these changes or has any reason that he or she may want to talk with someone, give us a call at 810-406-4246. We serve mild to moderate behavioral health needs of children and adults who want assistance with various things ranging from anxiety or depression to addiction to relationship issues. Don’t hesitate to call.
Shuntai Walker, received her Master degree from Liberty University, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Having been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Trauma focused and Solution focused Therapy, she often treats patients with trauma, sexual abuse, postpartum depression, sexual dysfunctions and phase of life transitions. In addition, she works with families to resolve relationship issues and provides individual therapy to children, adolescents and adults who have problems with stress, blended families, anger management, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and PTSD.
