Yellow buses and bulging backpacks will soon herald the official back-to-school season! Many families find this transition from beach to classroom to be exciting, stressful, and chaotic – often simultaneously. In an effort to help smooth the way for kids and their grown-ups alike, we’ve gathered some tips and mental health resources to support families:
- If it might help your kids, plan a practice run before the actual first day of school – do all of the getting-out-the-door-on-time things, but then head to the park or to another popular outing spot.
- Consider snapping that “first day” of school photo a few days before school actually starts in case getting out the door proves too chaotic.
- Use the night before to do all possible prep – from filling water bottles and packing lunches, to loading backpacks, signing permission slips, packing music/sports gear, checking homework, and setting out breakfast dishes.
- If their school outfits are cozy, consider having kiddos sleep in their clean clothes to save time in the morning.
- Some families opt to decide on an entire school week’s worth of outfits on Sunday – a crafting cart with drawers offers handy storage by day.
- Start a bin for the school dress-up days you know are coming – whether it’s funny socks, dress like a teacher, or Hawaiian shirt day – you’ll be one step ahead.
- Tech in the morning can distract everyone – analog mornings help some families to stay on track.
- If there’s disagreement around what’s playing on the car radio, consider getting together with your kids to make before school and after school playlists for the drive.
- A box of protein bars in the car can be useful in a pinch on late mornings.
- Establishing a shoe basket by the door offers a go-to spot for kicking off shoes upon arrival, and grabbing shoes before departure.
- Check lists can help everyone – with visual options for kiddos who aren’t reading.
- A family calendar where everyone can see and update helps for visualizing the upcoming week.
Navigating the back-to-school maze of new teachers, big feelings, and stressful schedules is familiar ground to many – here are some insights and helpful resources:
Ready for School, Ready to Learn: Social Emotional Learning for the First Day of School
Make Mental Health Part of Your Back to School!
Family mental health matters – and mental health champions are stepping up to share their support. Sesame Workshop offers Healthy Minds and Bodies tools; NAMI National has Back to School Resources for Parents/Caregivers, Educators, and Students; and the NH Children’s System of Care (NH CSoC) website features a Help for Families page with statewide resources.
When the alarm sounds on that first back-to-school morning – remember that you are not alone in this journey. Resources are available to support your family’s mental health – please don’t hesitate to reach out!