BACK TO SCHOOL STRESSORS

Back-to-school stressors

How to navigate a unique start to the school year

Children around the world spent the last school year in varying states of virtual, in-person and hybrid models, often moving back and forth as COVID-19 numbers rose and fell. And while more and more schools opened fully in-person last spring, the school day still may not look and feel like it has traditionally for many students this fall. Whether it’s adjusting back to the “norm,” or dealing with fluctuating learning modes and protocols, kids will be forced to continue to adapt.

Below are stressors to be aware of so you can help your children thrive during the 2021-22 school year.

Getting out the door

For some kids (and parents), the very act of leaving the house every morning prepared for school and work may be the hardest part of the day. Don’t assume routines will automatically snap back into place if you’re out of practice.

Before the first day of school, take time to talk through what everyone needs to take with them each day, how much time they need to get ready and who is responsible for what. Checklists or timers might be helpful, at least for the first few weeks.

Broader social environment

Being face-to-face with peers is an important component of good mental health and social development, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if your kid has social anxiety or is an introvert. Be mindful of the energy it takes – for better or worse – to interact with classmates all day. Your child might not have much left in their tank when they get home, so be careful not to expect too much of them right away.

Technology toss-up

This year may be lighter on tech than last year, but heavier than in years past.

Most kids will probably experience a return to more in-person, hands-on instruction. But after a year of virtual or hybrid schooling, laptops and tablets may be permanently integrated into classroom instruction and homework. Some kids will love this change while others won’t. Either way, try to model a good attitude about embracing change.

New people, places and schedules

As with any other school year, your kids will be adapting to new teachers, classmates, subjects, schedules or even a new school. Try to cut them some slack and allow them to experience the stress while helping them deal with it in a healthy way. Remind your child (and yourself!) that while this back-to-school season may pose extra challenges, most of them will be temporary – and you’re not alone in navigating them!

Digital withdrawal

Kids who spent much of the school year (and summer) on digital devices might have trouble letting go.

Screen time has been up 50% for kids during the pandemic, which may lead to legitimate withdrawal when school and extracurricular activities resume at normal levels.

Brush up on those symptoms (anger, nervousness, irritability) and learn how to guide your kids through this difficult transition with compassion. Better yet, try to start the digital detox a few weeks before school resumes.