“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” – John 14:27 NLT
Going back to school is a time of excitement, but it can also cause anxiety, restlessness, and fear. Not only are children anxious, but the parents can experience high stress during this time as well. With a world that is constantly changing, and social turmoil on the rise, a plan needs to be in place as children step into the new year. So how can parents prepare their children to step into the school year with the least amount of stress and anxiety? Here are a few points to consider as your children begin the new year.
1. Identify your stressors as a parent. From finances to poor planning, and poor health, we all have different stressors that can easily affect us. It’s important that you identify your stressors and have a plan to move forward to best serve your children during this time.
2. Check in with your child. If you notice your child is stressed out, be sure to check in with them. Ask open-ended questions. Ask them how they are feeling about going back to school. Listen closely as they share their feelings and fears. Allow them to lead the conversation and empathize with them. Your child needs an attentive, compassionate ear with sensitivity to their feelings and experiences.
3. Pray for your child. Before your child leaves the house, place your hands on them and pray for their day. Consider sharing Isaiah 41:10, which states, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand.”
4. Get a routine going before the school year starts. Having a morning and bedtime routine will help your child begin their school year the right way. Often, children struggle to adjust to new routines, so practical things you can do to help your child could be setting up a meeting so they can say “hello” to their new teacher before the first day of class, or visiting the classroom in advance.
5. Schedule play dates with classmates. A lot of children dread going back to school. Scheduling time to play with some of the other kids in the class gives the child something to look forward to.
6. Prioritize your self-care as a parent. As parents, it’s easy to focus so much on our children and neglect our own well-being. Take care of your health. Prioritize healthy self-care. If you do not practice doing things that bring life and refreshment to you, eventually your family will experience your unhealthy burnout or poor behavior.
7. Establish a strong support system for your child and yourself. With so many responsibilities, stress can become very overwhelming as a parent. Make sure you have a safe place where you can find godly support and talk about your struggles with others. Your child also needs support in the same ways and good relationships to help them navigate through the year as well.
Going Deeper
1. What are two helpful open-ended questions you can ask your child as they prepare for the new year?
2. What is one way you can support your child as they seek to build friendships at school?
