Preparing Your Family for A Successful Year
Back to school preparation can be stressful not only for children, but for parents. The weeks leading up to the start of a new year can be stressful, anxiety provoking and emotionally draining. The difference between a good transition from summer to the beginning of a new year is preparation. Let’s start this year off from a proactive, clear platform versus a reactive and chaotic one.
Check Your Attitude:
If you are a parent who feels overwhelmed and stressed out all the time chances are you are passing this way of coping and handling things on to your children. Often times if you appear stressed about the back to school shopping, summer reading list and the transition from junior high to high school, your child is going to emotionally ingest your attitude and feelings.
Take a step back and take the time you need to get things organized for the start of school. Don’t wait until the last minute to get ready as this will cause tension and chaos in your home. Ask for help if you need it and take it one step at a time. Having a calm and practical attitude will help your child feel more secure in the winding down of summer.
Year in Review:
Again, it is so important to start the year off from a proactive place rather than reactive. Sit down individually with each of your school age children and review the prior school year. What worked? What changes do you need to make it a better year? New alarm clock? Earlier bed time? Lunches made the night before? Make a plan with your child about the proactive changes you will be making to the New Year. Don’t wait until things fall apart to come up with a plan, do it now and go over the new plan with your family. Recognize that you are helping them develop the skills they need to be able to successfully live on their own when they leave the nest.
Set a Goal:
As you review the changes you are going to make for the coming school year, help your child set a goal. Do they need to work on being more outgoing? Would they like to try a sport or work on getting better grades? Whatever the goal is write it down with your child. Help them make a “mission statement” of intention about the new school year.
Writing down your child’s intention helps them to mentally prepare for the year and start out from a place of empowerment and confidence rather than anxiety and stress.
Goal setting is a skill that helps children in any stage of life and encourages them to take responsibility for their actions.
Family Meeting:
As the school year starts it can often be a very stressful time for families. Different schedules, sports, clubs, play dates, etc., can make for a long and hectic day. Take time at least once a week to sit down and have a pow wow with your family. Let each person talk without interruption about what is upsetting them this week or what went really well. Take the time to check in with each other and make the changes necessary to keep the peace and organization in your home. Don’t wait until things get busy, overwhelming and chaotic. A weekly family meeting helps everyone feel heard and respected. Families that have dinner together and take time to check in with one another are less likely to have children who struggle with low self esteem, peer pressure and drugs and alcohol.
Checking your attitude, reviewing the previous school year, setting goals and having weekly family meetings can all help set the stage for a phenomenal year for you and your family!
Wishing you a healthy and happy start of the school year!
Meghan Fritz is a psychotherapist practicing in State College, PA. For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
