You’ve probably noticed the sales popping up everywhere – it’s back to school season. While some kids are really excited for the new school year, others aren’t so happy about leaving summer behind. If your middle schooler is feeling anxious about returning to school, it can help to ease them into the change before the first day. By starting to change their habits early, you can make the back to school transition easier for your child and yourself.
Attend Orientation Days Before the New School Year
Is your child moving from elementary school to middle school? This is a big adjustment which can greatly increase back to school anxiety. Attending a new school filled with new people and learning from new teachers is a big deal. If your middle school is one of the many schools that hosts an orientation day, be sure to take advantage of it. Orientation days are designed to calm your child’s anxieties, help them get oriented with the new layout, meet their teachers, and possibly even make some new friends.
Read Back to School Books
Ease into the back to school mindset with some great books that tackle the fears and anxieties your child may have about going back to school. The Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney is a timeless classic that has helped many middle schoolers adjust to new situations. Filled with humor and fun cartoons, there’s a Diary for every situation your child may face.
Students of immigrant parents or those who have recently moved to a new place or country face more challenges than your average student. Between culture shock and fears of not fitting in, attending a new school is very stressful for these middle schoolers. These students may relate well to Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga, which follows Jude, a 12-year-old Syrian refugee who is adjusting to her new life in the United States.
Shop for a Back to School Outfit
Rising elementary schoolers and middle schoolers may have changed a lot over the summer. A new outfit that better fits their growing bodies will help them feel more confident and comfortable as they go through puberty. Plus, new clothes that they feel really good about wearing can help reduce first day anxiety about what they look like.
Encourage them to wear whatever makes them feel confident (within reason) instead of following what’s trendy or what they see on social media. If they feel confident in a trendy outfit, that’s great! But if they would feel better about themselves in something that matches their own style, then go with something different instead.
Boost their Confidence with LeadYouth
Our peer mentors know what it’s like to struggle with back to school anxiety. Our courses are designed to provide your child with the emotional intelligence and leadership skills they’ll need to feel confident no matter the situation. Unlock your child’s self confidence. Sign them up for LeadYouth today.
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