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Helping Your Child Transition Back to School: Tips from Dr. Abby Mahone
As summer draws to a close, many families in the Lehigh Valley are preparing for the new school year. The transition back to school can be challenging for children, especially when separation anxiety or adjustment issues arise. Dr. Abby Mahone, Director of the Historic Downtown Campus of Moravian Academy, offers expert advice on how to help your child navigate this change smoothly.
Easing Separation Anxiety
"Even if the first few days go well, children may still struggle in the second or third week when they realize school is a consistent routine," says Dr. Mahone. "The key to helping your child transition to school is to stay calm and positive as an adult, which helps your child co-regulate with you."
Here are some strategies Dr. Mahone recommends for easing separation anxiety:
- Familiarize Them with the School Environment: Visit the school together before the first day, explore the playground, and meet the teacher if possible. This helps create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
- Create a Goodbye Ritual: Develop a short, comforting routine for saying goodbye that’s consistent each day. This could be a special hug, a saying, or a small token they can carry with them.
- Use Transitional Objects: Provide your child with a small, familiar object, like a keychain or a note, that they can keep in their backpack to feel connected to home. "A token that reminds them of you can offer comfort during the day. Many kids love to have a picture of their family in their backpack or lunchbox." Dr. Mahone suggests.
- Stay Positive: Keep your tone upbeat during drop-off. Your confidence and positivity can help reassure your child that school is a safe and exciting place.
Recognizing and Addressing Adjustment Struggles
As the school year progresses, monitoring how your child is adjusting is essential. Positive signs include talking about new friends, showing interest in school activities, and adapting to routines. However, if your child exhibits changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, excessive clinginess, or reluctance to go to school, it may indicate they are struggling.
"Open communication is crucial," advises Dr. Mahone. "Ask your child open-ended questions about their day and listen to their concerns without judgment. If you notice any signs of struggle, share your observations with the teacher and ask for insights into your child’s behavior in the classroom."
Establishing a calm and predictable after-school routine can also provide stability and reduce anxiety. If concerns persist, Dr. Mahone recommends involving a school counselor or child psychologist for additional support.
Co-Regulating with Your Child
Dr. Mahone emphasizes the importance of co-regulation during times of stress. "As adults, our ability to stay calm and regulated directly impacts our child’s ability to calm down," she explains. "By modeling calm behavior and providing a supportive environment, we help our children manage their emotions and navigate challenges more effectively."
Balancing the Needs of Siblings
For families with multiple children, balancing the needs of school-age and younger siblings can be tricky. Dr. Mahone suggests creating individual time for each child, involving younger siblings in school-related activities, and fostering a sense of teamwork.
"Encourage siblings to support each other during transitions," she advises. "This not only helps with the adjustment process but also strengthens family bonds."
By implementing these strategies, parents can help ease the transition back to school and support their children in developing the resilience and confidence they need for a successful school year.
