Handling Back-to-School Anxieties

Returning to the classroom can trigger an array of emotions in kids. Here’s how to tackle a few common scenarios head on.

By Stacey Feintuch

Like it or not, it’s time to say goodbye to the carefree days of summer and say hello to a new school year. Back-to-school stress impacts children of all ages: Younger kids may experience separation anxiety, while older ones may be stressed about increased academic pressure and college applications. During times of transition, anxiety is normal, but it’s usually manageable. Deal with back-toschool stress as a family to help your kids start the school year off right.

CHANGING SCHOOLS

Your child once ruled middle school but now they’re at the bottom of the pack as a first-year high school student. Or maybe your child is moving from a day care they’ve known for years. Changing schools can be an adjustment, but you can take measures to ease the transition.

Take a visit. Consider visiting the school in advance. Familiarizing kids with the environment can help them feel more comfortable. If possible, attend an orientation or open house, pointing out their classrooms, restrooms, water fountains, and other important places. You may even visit the school’s playground to show what recess will look like.

Get organized together. Purchase and label supplies. Make sure you’ve submitted all required health and emergency contact forms. Stock your refrigerator with meals and snacks for the first week (check out p. 30 for some fun ideas!). Choose a first-day-of-school outfit, backpack, and lunchbox to get kids more excited about going back. The more organized and prepared you are, the calmer and less stressed you’ll all feel.

Read about it. A story about school can help ease the jitters. Talk to your local librarian about the right book for your child. Read the tale together and ask your child to share any concerns.

Set the tone. Kids pick up on your feelings. That means if you’re nervous, sad, or worried, your kids will likely feel the same. Try not to ask leading questions (“Are you nervous about going back to school?”), which can indicate to your child that there really is something to worry about. Be happy and smile in front of your kids. Save the tears for when you’re alone.

BEING THE NEW KID

Moving to a new town is hard enough let alone being the new kid in the classroom. Fortunately, starting school at the beginning of the year should help since everyone is in a new situation.

Discuss information about the routine. Kids often worry about the little aspects of school. They wonder who will take them to school and pick them up. Or they’re uncertain where to go once they get to school. They may question what they’ll be eating for lunch. Review the school routine with them to ease their minds.

Validate their feelings. It’s important for parents to stay positive. If a child is nervous, that’s okay. Say, “I’m so proud of you for going to school.”

Share your stories. You were the new kid once, too. Discuss those memories and experiences with your children. Talk about friends you made or a favorite teacher, always staying upbeat and optimistic. And discuss positive aspects of your children’s school, like an amazing playground or extensive library.

Be on time. Don’t stress out your children by running late on day one. Get as much as possible ready the night before, laying out clothing, backpacks, and lunchboxes so everything is set. And allow enough time in the morning to get ready—and take some first day of school pictures!—so you don’t have to rush out the door.

Emphasize that they’re not alone. Remind your kids that they’re not the only new ones at school. Even some teachers are new. Tell them that the teacher is aware of nerves and will do their best to make kids feel more comfortable.

WORKLOAD STRESS

For those who spent months out of traditional in-person school due to the pandemic, returning to the classroom may feel scary. They may worry and wonder if they have the skills to get the job done after sitting behind a computer for so long.

Create a homework routine. Predictability and structure reduce stress in kids and reinforce good habits, particularly when it comes to tackling schoolwork. Create a designated homework space in the house away from the chaos. Let the kids decorate and stock the space to make it feel like their special spot.

Hit the hay early. No more staying up late catching fi refl ies or playing video games. Kids need to go to sleep early enough so they’re well-rested for school. Get them into their school bedtime routine a week or two before school starts so they’re back on track before day one.

Hire a tutor. If you sense they’re anxious about a particular subject, like math or reading, consider hiring a tutor. A tutor can get them back on track academically and help boost their confi dence in the classroom.

LINGERING COVID CONCERNS

Many kids haven’t had in-person schooling for a full day since March 2020. Perhaps their school had a remote, hybrid, or halfday model. Going to school full time can seem foreign.

Establish open communication. Let your child know that you’re always available to talk about anything and everything. A good time to chat is before lights out. They often open up and feel comfortable and safe right before bed. It’s when they’re getting 1-on-1 attention and feel relaxed.

Be present. Aim to be there for your child right before school starts and during the fi rst few days back to help them feel more secure. If you can’t be there, ask a friend or family member to take on this role for you.

Plan something special. Give them something to look forward to—like a trip for an ice cream cone or a visit to a favorite playground. That way they’ll anticipate a fun activity. You can even make it an annual tradition.

Emphasize safety measures. We can’t promise our kids that we won’t get sick, but we can express confi dence in public health efforts, and that schools have done months of planning to minimize risk and keep everyone safe.

Encourage fl exibility. We don’t know how “normal” most kids’ schools will be, and plans may be changing up to the last minute. Let your child know the whole family will have to be fl exible.

Stacey Feintuch is a freelance writer for print and online publications based in Bergen County, NJ. A mom to two boys, you’ll fi nd her at the baseball diamond on the weekends.

Path 2 Potential

Autism and Behavioral Therapy

At Path 2 Potential, we pride ourselves in understanding the value of family and the importance of providing quality ABA services for individuals with autism. For this reason, we employ both BCBAs and therapists with a heart of excellence. Find our office in The Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale, NY. Home and in-person services are available throughout NY, CT, NJ, FL, and AZ.

Available in-person & virtual

Please note, Path 2 Potential does not accept Medicaid at this time. For a full list of insurances we accept or to learn more about services, please visit our website or contact us via email.

Buckley Country Day School

2 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn 516-627-1910 buckleycountryday.com

Buckley Country Day School is an independent, coeducational day school providing a superior elementary education to an intellectually capable and diverse student body. Buckley provides the foundation that enables our students to achieve their full potential and excel as educated, ethical, and self-confi dent individuals. Our graduates are well prepared for secondary schools and beyond.

Countryside Montessori School

354 Lakeville Road, Lower Level, Great Neck 516-466-8422 cmsgn.com info@cmsgn.com

Countryside Montessori School offers children, 18 months to 6 years, a well-balanced and enriched curriculum that includes traditional subjects, art, and music. It is located on an estate-like setting with an outdoor playground and nature walks. Classrooms are fully equipped and spacious.

East Woods School

31 Yellow Cote Road, Oyster Bay 516-922-4400 eastwoods.org

East Woods School is a private school for students in pre-nursery through eighth grade. We provide a supportive learning environment that is as nurturing as it is rigorous. Our students are happy, kind, and respectful leaders and they are prepared for their next journey after East Woods.

Everbrook Academy

Everbrook Academy of Glen Head 209 Glen Head Road, Glen Head Everbrook Academy of Smithtown 740 Route 347, Smithtown 866-222-0269 everbrookacademy.com

Everbrook Academy is a 21st-century preschool, with a STEAM curriculum. We offer integrated, hands-on learning experiences. Our programs, for infants, toddlers, preschool, and pre-K students, ensure that children are ready for school—and life. Schedule an appointment at everbrookacademy.com to meet with our principal and enroll today.

Friends Academy

270 Duck Pond Road, Locust Valley 516-676-0393 fa.org

At Friends Academy, we achieve educational excellence by committing to the highest standards of learning. Our welcoming community is strengthened by our Quaker values, empowering our students to inquire, refl ect, and engage in their classrooms and the world. Our students learn and live with purpose to achieve greatness without sacrifi cing goodness.

Lawrence Woodmere Academy

336 Woodmere Blvd., Woodmere 516-374-9000 lawrencewoodmere.org admissions@lawrencewoodmere.org

Lawrence Woodmere Academy (LWA) is a coeducational, non-religious, college preparatory school with a more than 100-year history of academic excellence. LWA comprises preschool through 12th-grade students. The school culture is marked by global perspective within a school community, with a mission distilled into three core values: truth, integrity, and service.

Little Sponges Child Learning Center

1000 Shames Drive, Westbury 516-595-7900 littlesponges.net

At Little Sponges, we use a variety of age-appropriate activities and school district curriculums to help each individual child reach their potential. The program meets the changing needs of individual children by providing a safe and appropriate environment that is both challenging and stimulating.

Temple Sinai Early Childhood Center

425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights 516-621-8708 mysinai.org/ecc ldayan@mysinai.org

Temple Sinai Early Childhood Center is a safe, supportive, and positive environment for play-based learning and exploration. Inspired by Jewish values, our curriculum fosters curiosity, confi dence, and growth. Our team is dedicated to helping each child reach their greatest potential. Most importantly, our classrooms are fi lled with learning, laughter, and love.

The Hagedorn Little Village School, Jack Joel Center for Special Children

750 Hicksville Road, Seaford 516-520-6000 littlevillage.org jon.feingold@littlevillage.org

The Hagedorn Little Village School is a nonprofi t school highly regarded for providing outstanding educational and therapeutic services for children with a wide range of developmental disabilities. HLVS provides year-round programs and services, including diagnostic evaluations and treatment, early intervention, a preschool, an elementary school, SEIT, and related services.

mommybites.com Find a Nanny, Place a Nanny

New York’s most reliable Nanny Boards

— restricted to parents’ posts MOMMYBITES.COM/NANNIES

Mommybites is a community that connects expectant, new, and young moms to resources, education, expert parenting tips, fun family activities, job opportunities, childcare, and each other. facebook.com/mommybites instagram.com/mommybitesparenting twitter.com/mommybitesny pinterest.com/mommybites

SHOPPING DESTINATIONS

These outlets and malls in our area are one-stop shops for your kids’ back-to-school clothing and accessory needs.

By Barbara Russo

The good news: Kids are going back to school in-person after more than a year of remote and hybrid learning. The not-so-good news? It’s time for kids to trade in those comfy sweatpants and pajamas for clothes that can cut it in the classroom. It may have been a while since you’ve done back-to-school shopping for the kids, but don’t worry- we made it easy for parents with our guide to local shopping malls and outlets on Long Island. Our list aims to make the shopping experience a fun and easy one. It has malls that offer lots of online deals and discounts to see in advance of your trip, personal shopping and concierge services, and food courts and restaurants when you need to take a break and refresh. Each destination has stores that sell clothes and accessories for kids of all ages. (But don’t forget to pick up a little something for yourself, too!)

Americana Manhasset

2060 Northern Blvd., Manhasset americanamanhasset.com 800-818-6767

Hours: Individual store hours may vary. Call the stores directly or check the website for more information. Located approximately 20 miles from Manhattan, this upscale shopping area features more than 60 luxury and contemporary shops. Notable fashion retailers that carry children’s lines include J. Crew, Brooks Brothers, and Ralph Lauren. The outlets have a Personal Shopping Suite, located within the storefront concierge, available by appointment only. The suite features an appointed reception area and lounge, and three spacious and private rooms. Shoppers can review clothing, accessories, and gift selections with expert personal shoppers.

Green Acres Mall

2034 Green Acres Mall, Sunrise Highway, Valley Stream greenacresmallonline.com 516-561-1157

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-7pm Stores on-site include anchor Macy’s, Best Buy, Charlotte Russe, The Children’s Place, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Visit the mall’s website for Kids Club, where kids learn through activity pages and craft videos. Also check the website before your visit for current and ongoing sales.

Roosevelt Field Mall

630 Old Country Road, Garden City simon.com/mall/roosevelt-field 516-742-8000

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-7pm One of the largest shopping malls in the

country, Roosevelt Field has more than 200 stores, including The Children’s Place, JCPenney, H&M, and J.Crew. Take a break from shopping by choosing a restaurant from the mall’s extensive list that includes a variety of sit-down and grab-and-go dining options. Participating shops also recognize military discounts; see the website for a full list.

Sunrise Mall

1 Sunrise Mall, Massapequa sunrisemallny.com • 516-795-3551

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11am-8pm; Sunday, 12-7pm This two-level mall has more than 50 retailers. Shops include Cohen’s Fashion Optical, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kids Foot Locker, Claire’s, and Macy’s. And don’t forget to check the website to see what current sales are happening!

Tanger Outlets

200 Tanger Mall Drive, Riverhead tangeroutlet. com/riverhead 631-369-2732

Hours: Individual store hours may vary. Call or check the website for more information. More than 165 brand-name outlets are located at this shopping center. Children’s stores include Abercrombie Kids, The Children’s Place, OshKosh B’gosh, and many outlet retailers that care adult and kids’ sizes. Shoppers can visit the Shopper Services desk upon arrival to pick up a savings coupon book and learn about current deals and specials. There is a one-time fee of $10 to join the Tanger Club, which offers exclusive deals and perks daily, plus rewards when you meet spending levels.

Walt Whitman Shops

160 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station simon.com/mall/ walt-whitman-shops 631-271-1741

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11am8pm; Friday-Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, 11am-7pm This indoor shopping mall has more than 80 shops, including three major departments stores: Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Visit Chasing Summer, a newly opened shop at the mall that carries clothing for men, women, and children. Browse the “Family Perks” section of the mall’s website to find deals, discounts, and specials offered at many of the mall’s retailers.

In-person and Remote classes

On Sale Now!

21-22

season

9/11/21

Gaelic Storm 10/9/21

landmarkids!

Disney Swings 11/20/21 11am Jake Shimabukuro 10/13/21 Tom Papa 11/19/21

And More!

Sonia de los Santos 10/9/21 11am Sir Duke 10/20 Zen Tricksters 10/22 We Banjo 3 12/7 BubbleMania 1/9/22 Raga Kids 2/12/22

232 main street port washington, ny 11050 landmarkonmainstreet.org box office 516.767.6444

SAT

Weekend and after school classes. Small groups. Competition coaching. SAT and AP test preparation. Private tutoring. College prep. Natural abilities testing.

www.roslynacademicprograms.com 55 Northern Blvd, Greenvale, NY (516)484-1789