Back to School Nerves

Is your child a little testy this week? A little clingy? A little argumentative? 

If anything seems out of the ordinary, it may be some back-to-school nerves coming to the surface.

Think about it, there’s a lot at stake in the next few weeks for our little ones. They’re meeting a new teacher, some new friends, maybe coping with worried feelings about being with classmates who are not too kind to them.  They have new clothes that feel and look a little different. They may be working with a new backpack and lunchbox. Nothing is on autopilot yet. They don’t know the routines and expectations of their new classroom (or new school). 

Maybe last year was the best and they are worried that this year won’t measure up.  Maybe last year was the worst and it has tainted their expectations for this year. Maybe they’re worried about academics, who to sit with at lunch, who to play with at recess.

One idea on how to handle it:

Putting yourself in their shoes will help you handle any outbursts this week with love and support.  Maybe instead of scolding them for back-talk, you might say, “hey, that doesn’t seem like you…are you having some feelings you want to talk about?” I’m not saying to let bad behavior go, but maybe address it at the end of the conversation and say, “it’s okay to have those big feelings, but next time share them with me instead of saying mean things.”

Your support will help them take on the new year with a positive attitude.  Be their cheerleader!