Warrior
Wisdom Preparing for Back to School BY WHITNEY CHERNER, LCSW
I like the concept of “back to school.” I really do. It’s probably because I am a big fan of new beginnings and all that it entails, like new schedules, new friends, and new opportunities. To me, the fact that kids get to do this every year while in school is one of the great gifts of well, just being a kid. As parents, we often put time and effort into prepping our kids for “back to school.” We order uniforms, pick out just the right backpack, and visit the dreaded school supply shopping section at our Target. This a yearly ritual…except last year when the pandemic changed all of that. So, for parents and students alike, back to school prep is looking a little different. I woke up at 3 am the other morning in a panic that I had not yet ordered my son (who shot up 5 inches over the summer) new uniforms. I am happy to self-disclose that I am out of practice and not quite on it. I feel as if I am walking out of a dark movie theater into the brightly lit lobby, blinking furiously as I try to get my bearings. So, if I am the adult in the room and I am feeling this way, how are our kids feeling? 22 August 2021| PB Parenting |
Chances are they are facing a wide range of emotions. From being out of practice with inperson social interactions to being required to physically attend school to those in high school having to get up earlier, kids are grappling with new stresses that pre-pandemic weren’t associated with back to school. So, how can we all prepare for the best school year ever? 1. Talk about it. Develop a “let’s be real” zone where kids and parents alike can share how they are feeling. The point of this zone is not to problem solve, but rather to share and validate feelings. This is a good opportunity to just listen and allow everyone to own their feelings. 2. Normalize it. There is a lot of comfort in knowing that we are not the only ones who feel this way. Letting our kids and ourselves know that we are not alone in our feelings is powerful stuff. I love running into other mothers who are overwhelmed and doing the best that they can because I can relate. Chances are that your sixth grader will find it comforting to be assured that most of the other sixth graders are also worried about getting lost on their first day of school.
