August- Back to School
Back to School
Better Together
The halls are busy,
The kids are tall.
The day is bustling,
And I feel small.
So much to do, so much to learn,
Sometimes it makes my brain feel the burn.
One day at a time, one foot in front of the other,
We will get through if we support each other.
(https://www.lovetoknow.com/parenting/kids/back-school-poems)
Preparing for Back-to-School Success
Here are some ways you can offer your child support and help them prepare for what’s ahead:
- Ask open-ended questions. You don’t have to wait until your child comes to you to talk about how they feel. Rather than making assumptions, ask open-ended questions to get a sense of what’s on your child’s mind. Instead of asking, “Are you feeling nervous?” try asking in a more open-ended way. For example, “How are you feeling about going back to school?”
- Actively listen. If your child feels they have your full attention, they are more likely to open up to you (or even come to you in the first place). Put away any distractions, and listen to understand.
- Offer support. It is natural to want to jump in and fix things for your child, but try to resist the urge. If your child shares that they are struggling or are worried about something, try asking them what they think they need or what they think will make them feel better. Then follow their lead.
- Keep the conversation going. Create ongoing opportunities for your child to talk to you about what they are thinking and feeling.
(source: https://www.strong4life.com/en/emotional-wellness/anxiety/preparing-kids-to-go-back-to-school)
Discussing School
"Some kids love talking about school. With others, it’s like pulling teeth to get them to share even a few details about their day. If your child is on the quieter side or is very private, there are ways to ask questions that will open up a conversation instead of shutting one down. Here are some key things to keep in mind."
(check out: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-say-it-questions-to-ask-your-child-about-school for more details and ideas)