Family Time Friday Blog: Managing the Stress of Children Going Back-to-School

As summer wraps up, many families are caught in a whirlwind of emotions about the upcoming school year. For children with exceptionalities and their parents and/or caregivers transitioning from the relaxed pace of summer back to the structured environment of school can feel daunting. This shift is significant after months of remote learning and time spent at home.

1. Understanding the Transition

For many children, home has been a comforting space, free from the pressures of school. As we approach the new school year, it’s crucial to understand that this change can be challenging. Kids will need to tap into several skills to navigate this transition successfully:

Shifting Focus: Moving from summer fun to schoolwork requires some effort.
Directing Attention: Re-engaging with tasks and maintaining focus is essential.
Prioritizing Tasks: Balancing play and responsibilities can be tricky.
Managing Emotions: Adjusting to a new routine can stir up various feelings.
Tolerating Instructions: Getting used to more adult direction might take time.

Some kids may face challenges like anxiety or social difficulties. Recognizing these hurdles allows us to provide better support.

2. Highlighting the Positives

Returning to school isn’t just about hitting the books; it’s also about reconnecting with friends and diving into social experiences. Here are some questions to help spark positive conversations as you gear up for the school year:

What do you enjoy most about school?
Who are you excited to catch up with?
What activities or subjects are you looking forward to?

By focusing on the positive aspects of returning to school, we can help our kids feel more confident and excited. It’s completely normal for students to feel a mix of nerves and anticipation when starting something new.

3. Managing Back-to-School Stress

Feeling stressed about the return to school? You’re not alone. Easing into the school routine can help a lot. Here are some practical strategies:

Open Communication: Have honest conversations about school. Address any worries your child may have.
Practice Routines: Rehearsing morning and evening routines can make them feel more familiar.
Visual Aids: Use schedules or visual stories to help kids understand what their day will look like.
Engage Attention: Incorporate activities that require focus, like reading or puzzles.
Adjust Sleep Schedules: Gradually shift bedtimes to align with school hours.
Limit Screen Time: Start reducing screen exposure as school approaches.

Relevant Programs:

KidsAbility: Provides programs and services to children with disabilities, including those focused on managing transitions and stress. Visit KidsAbility.
Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health (Formerly Carizon) Offers counseling services for children and families, including support for managing anxiety and stress. Visit Camino here.

4. Organizing for a the Year

Organization is key to reducing unnecessary stress throughout the school year. Establishing a dedicated space for homework and school supplies can create a sense of order and control. This space should be tailored to your child’s needs, whether that includes color-coded folders, sensory tools, or other personalized touches.

Involving your child in setting up their space can give them a sense of ownership and pride.

Relevant Programs:

KW Habilitation: Offers resources and support for families to create organized and sensory-friendly environments at home. Visit KW Habilitation.

5. Effective Homework Strategies

Homework doesn’t have to be a source of constant stress. By breaking down assignments into smaller, manageable tasks, you can help your child feel more in control of their workload. Celebrate small victories along the way to boost confidence and motivation.

Relevant Programs:

Idawc (Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County : Offers the "Navigating the Homework Highway" series, which includes strategies to help children with ADHD manage their homework effectively. Visit ldawc here.
Strong Start Charitable Organization: Provides literacy programs and support that can help children develop the skills needed to manage schoolwork more effectively. Visit Strong Start.

6. Supporting Exceptional Needs

Every child’s experience is different, especially those with unique needs. Communicating with teachers and support staff ensures that your child’s requirements are met. At Waterloo Region Family Network, we’re here to hew you navigate this journey together.

Aside from the programs listed directly below our Family Resource Coach, Erin Sutherland Hosts School Navigation Workshops on the following topics:

Communication Between Home and School (October 23, 2024): Understanding the different ways of communication, creating a suitable communication plan for parents/caregivers and families.
Making your Individual Education Plan (IEP) Work (January 22, 2024): Identifying your child’s IEP, prioritizing and understanding the process.
Transitions (March 19, 2024): Teaching parents/caregivers the various transitions within the school for students with exceptional needs (such as entering the school system or starting high school) and how to prepare in advance.
Modified Days and Safety Plans (May 21, 2024): Teaching parents/caregivers the purpose of modified days for their children, ensuring their modified and safety plans are formalized and aligned with their needs.

WRFN Drop-ins at EarlyON

Erin also supports families with drop-in hours at Early On locations. Here is Septembers schedule:

September 10 Roger St @ 11 am – 12 pm
September 11 Oak Creek @ 10-11 am
September 17 Water St @ 10 – 11 am
September 18 St Boniface @ 10-11 am
September 27 Cedar Creek @ 10-11:30 am (if booked in advance)

If you have any questions, you can reach Erin at 226-808-5460.

7. Helpful Resources for Caregivrs

As you prepare for the school year, check out these valuable resources from the WRDSB and WRFN:

WRFN Programs:

School Issues Support Group: This peer-led group provides support, advice, and a safe environment for parents who have questions or concerns about school issues affecting their children with exceptionalities. Meetings are held monthly on the last Wednesday evening from 7 - 8:30 pm. Real-life experiences, tips, and strategies are shared.
Please email sue.simpson@wrfn.info for more information or to join the next meeting.

Kaleidoscope Kids: Join our free peer-led drop-in program for children 8 years old and under with exceptionalities, along with their parents (or caring adults) and siblings. This program fosters connections among caregivers while children play in a safe, inclusive environment. Join us every Tuesday from 9:30 - 10:30 am at EarlyON Roger St in Waterloo.

WRDSB Resources:

8. Planning for a the Return

To help ease the transition, planning can be incredibly beneficial. Here are some questions and suggestions for students and families to consider:What do you like about school?

What are you most looking forward to?
What have you missed?
What are your favorite subjects/activities?
Who are you looking forward to seeing?

Additionally, consider practical aspects of the school day:

What will your typical morning look like?
What time will you need to leave for school?
How much sleep do you need, and what time should you go to bed?
If you need to shift your bedtime and wake-up time before school starts, when should you start making this shift?
Would it be helpful to practice your morning and evening routine?

9. Getting to School

Think about how you’ll get to school:

Will you walk or ride your bike?
Will you go by yourself, or do you want a family member to come with you, maybe even just for the first while?
How long will it take you to get to school, and what time will you have to leave the house? Should you practice the route to check the time?
Do you take the bus? If so, do you know where your stop is and what time you need to be there?

10. Preparing for the Day

Here are some additional considerations:

Do you want to plan what you wear?
Do you want to pick out certain clothes for the first day or first week?
What school supplies will you need?
What do you already have at home?
What items need to be organized in the morning or the night before?
Can you design a system that would help?

Sometimes, having a little reminder of home in your backpack can provide comfort.

11. Lunch Planning

Thinking about lunch can also ease some stress:

What will you take for lunch?

Are there recipes you want to try now?

Do you have lunch containers that you can open on your own?

Make a grocery list for a typical school week.

12. Addressing Concerns

It’s natural to have worries about returning to school:

What could be hard about going back to school?
Is there anything that you’re worried about?
How are you going to handle that?
Who can help you with the problem?

We hope that this blog help ease some of these worries and you can almost reach out to WRFN directly should you need more detailed support

Cited Resources:

1. KidsAbility:

2. Camino Wellbeing + Mental Heath

3. KW Habilitation: [KW Habilitation]

4. Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County

6. Strong Start Charitable Organization

7. Caregiver’s Guide to Setting the Stage for Return to School

8. Supporting the Transition Back to School: Suggestions for Caregivers