Stressed Out with My Kids Going Back to School?

The back-to-school blues are common among children and even parents. However, you may find yourself more stressed out than anything, and you may not know why you are stressed. It is easier to manage your stress when you can determine the cause of it, so here are several reasons why you may be stressed with your child going back to school.

The Old Routine

Even with your work schedule, you have become used to a certain routine over the last few months. You are not worrying about getting your child up at a certain time, nor are you spending the extra time on school lunches and homework. The break has also given you more time to plan day trips and vacations. The thought of going back into the school-year routine can be stressful for anyone who has grown accustomed to their summer schedule.

If you are stressed about getting back into this routine, start easing your way into it early. Give your child practice sheets to complete over the summer, and pack them a lunch to have during the day. You can also ease your child, and yourself, into getting up earlier during the week. This way, when the first day of school arrives, you are already back into your routine.

Common Worries

It is normal to worry about your child when you are not around them, especially when they are in school for about seven hours a day. You may be worried about other children bullying them, or maybe you are worried about your child getting to and from school safely. While these are common worries, they can be stressful for a parent.

You can take precautions by talking to your child about bullying, and assuring them that it is okay to let you know if it happens. As for getting them to and from school, come up with a plan that works for both of you. Rearranging your work schedule is not always possible, but you may be able to ask a loved one or another trusted parent for help. If your child is walking, map out a safe route and establish ground rules.

Feeling Unprepared

Children are not the only ones who worry about being unprepared for the first day of school. As a parent, you may be worried your child did not read enough or practice their math skills over the summer. The thought of more homework may also cause stress for both of you, especially if your child struggles in certain subjects.

Summer break does not mean you cannot keep your child's skills sharp. Get them involved in a summer reading program, and give them a workbook as practice for the upcoming school year.

Everyone feels stressed at one time or another, and this includes stressing over your child going back to school. However, you do not want the stress to overshadow everything else. Once you pinpoint the cause of your stress, you can come up with a plan to create a positive school year.