The Welcome Back Jitters
Back to School…
Some children thrill to the adventures awaiting them at school - new teachers, new friends, new challenges. But for others, back to school time creates separation anxieties that can seem all-consuming. These fears can make the first few weeks difficult for parents, teachers and children. What’s a parent to do when nothing seems to help a child with this separation?
* Pray for your child. Pray that God will deliver your child from any fear that threatens to overtake him or her. God is love…Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love takes away fear. (1 John 4:18). God has not given your child a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:17). Claim these truths for your child. (An excellent resource is Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian.)
* Pray with your child. Remind your child that God will be with him or her throughout the day and will comfort, guide and protect. Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 27:1; Psalm 91:4-6.
* Send your child to bed early enough that she receives an adequate amount of sleep for his or her age, and wake him or her up early enough so he or she can get ready, have breakfast, and get to school without rushing.
* Feed your child a nutritious breakfast! There is a strong mood-food connection, and children who don’t eat an adequate and healthy breakfast are more likely to be anxious, irritable or depressed.
* Let your child bring a favorite toy or stuffed animal (to keep in his or her backpack) for comfort. Often, a family picture in the backpack or desk can also be a source of comfort.
* Discuss your child’s daily schedule with him or her. Remind him or her of all the fun things he will do throughout the day until school dismisses. I.e. “First you have circle time, then art, then lunch, then recess, then reading, and then it will be 2:30 and time for carpool.”
* Reunite with your child in a positive way at the end of the day. Look at artwork and papers, and ask your child to share (at least) one favorite thing. Keep a list of “favorite things” to refer back to on difficult mornings.
* Invite new friends that your child has met at school to your house for after school play dates. These friendships will strengthen your child’s connections at school and will give him something to look forward to.
* Talk with your child’s teacher and/or guidance counselor. We all want to make school a positive experience for your child, and we will work together to help your child adjust.
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