As the new school year begins nervous tension can really hit a family hard. Not only do the parents have their usual daily duties, but the kids can also be anxious about the start of the new year. And sometimes parents forget this. Whether it’s starting a new grade or a new school, kids can worry about classmates, teachers, the school building itself, changing schools, facing a tough academic year, or taking the bus to class. “The end of summer and the beginning of a new school year can be a stressful time for parents and children,” says psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD. “While trying to manage work and the household, parents can sometimes overlook their children’s feelings of nervousness or anxiety as school begins. Working with your children to build resilience and manage their emotions can be beneficial for the psychological health of the whole family.”

Fortunately, children have amazing coping skills given the chance, and their parents can nurture that process by encouraging their kids to share and open up about their feelings.

The American Psychological Association offers the following back-to-school tips:

1. Practice the first day of school routine: Getting into a sleep routine before the first week of school will aide in easing the shock of waking up early. Organizing things at home—backpack, binder, lunchbox or cafeteria money—will help make the first morning go smoothly. Having healthy, yet kid-friendly lunches will help keep them energized throughout the day. Also, walking through the building and visiting your child’s locker and classroom will help ease anxiety of the unknown.
2. Get to know your neighbors: If your child is starting a new school, walk around your block and get to know the neighborhood children. Try and set up a play date, or, for an older child, find out where neighborhood kids might go to safely hang out, like the community pool, recreation center or park.
3. Talk to your child: Asking your children about their fears or worries about going back to school will help them share their burden. Inquire as to what they liked about their previous school or grade and see how those positives can be incorporated into their new experience.
4. Empathize with your children: Change can be difficult, but also exciting. Let your children know you’re aware of what they’re going through and that you’ll be there to help them. Nerves are normal, but highlight that not everything that’s different is necessarily bad. It’s important to encourage your children to face their fears instead of falling in to the trap of encouraging avoidance.
5. Get involved and ask for help: Knowledge of the school and the community will better equip you to understand your child’s surroundings and the transition he or she is undergoing. Meeting members of your community and school will foster support for both you and your child. If you feel the stress of the school year is too much for you and your child to handle on your own, seeking expert advice from a mental health professional at River Park Psychology Consultants, will help you better manage and cope.

Source: American Psychological Association