Navigating the Return to School Year and Parenting Throughout the School Year – 5 Essential Tips For Busy Parents
As the school year approaches, we often find ourselves in a whirlwind of preparations – especially for busy parents. We’re constantly finding ourselves busier than ever, and back-to-school season brings its own set of challenges.
To help you and your child navigate the new school year, here are five key things to consider:
1. Help Your Child Build Emotional Regulation Skills
It’s crucial to nurture emotional regulation in young children facing new experiences at school. As a parent, prioritize open communication, and create an environment where your child feels safe in voicing their emotions. Teach healthy coping strategies like taking breaks when overwhelmed and talk about the importance of sleep in regulating how we feel.
2. Managing Peer Influences
We live in a digital age, and peer influence takes on so many forms that it makes it hard to stay involved in your child’s social life – both in the classroom and online. Encourage friendships based on shared values and interests while discussing the importance of individuality.
3. Establishing Routine & Transitions
A consistent routine helps children feel secure when it comes to a family’s hectic schedule. Try to create a daily schedule with dedicated study time, play time, meals, and bedtime. Prepare your child for transitions using gentle reminders or visual cues such as timers.
4. Promoting On-Task Behaviors
When it comes to kids, almost anything can be a distraction – especially with technology. Helping your child focus is essential; work to limit screen time during homework sessions, and create a distraction-free study space. Focus your praise on effort rather than outcome to reinforce healthy behaviors.
5. Cultivating Social Skills
Elementary school years are critical for developing social skills that shape future relationships. Teach your child about active listening, empathy, conflict resolution, and encourage healthy group play.
We get it, preparing your kids can seem daunting, but these tips can ease the process by focusing on the most important factors for success.
We want you and your child to be as ready as possible for the school year and everything beyond.
If you are looking for strategies and tools that are unique to your family and child, please call (331-457-2020) or email us at info@growwellnessgroup.com
Our Naperville Child Therapists are here to help with our child therapy services!
