Wellness@Work: How to navigate your back-to-school era
To help navigate the sometimes tricky landscape of back-to-school emotions, here are some tips.
By Fletcher Eaton, M.A.
Manager of the Employee Assistance Program
It’s a rite of passage that often evokes a variety of responses from adults and children alike: the first day of school. Cue dramatic music!
What about you? It’s normal to feel everything from fear, irritation, relief, apprehension, sadness, panic, indifference, peacefulness, sleeplessness, joy, and more.
Whether your children attend public or private school, are home-schooled, or something in between, parents, children, and even teachers can experience a variety of emotions. Feeling any or all of these emotions — especially if the change in routine brings on new ones — can also result in stress, anxiety, etc.
To navigate the sometimes tricky landscape of back-to-school emotions, here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic that can help parents and children adjust to the school year:
Review homework expectations.
Identify where in the home children will do their homework (kitchen table, desk, bedroom), when they are expected to start (right after school, after snack, after dinner), and go over expectations for grades and how challenges will be addressed.
Develop a good sleep routine.
Plan for the proper amount of sleep for the child’s age. Develop consistent routines by putting away all electronics one hour before bedtime (keep charging stations away from bedrooms). Routines could include time for taking a shower, brushing teeth, getting a healthy snack or drink, or reading a bedtime story.
Eat a healthy breakfast each morning.
It’s the most important meal of the day!
Have a plan for school-related conflicts.
Children are developing into adults and are beginning to experience big emotions. Parents need to be ready to guide their children to learn healthy conflict management solutions, practice them in a safe setting, and assess the process. This can be done by stepping back at times rather than stepping in and taking over.
Nurture a healthy support system.
Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future. It is vital for children and adolescents to develop healthy friendships with peers who exhibit empathy, honesty, trustworthiness, humor, and other important traits.
Practice these tips to help you and your children have a great year!
How can you lead a longer, better life? Follow weekly Wellness@Work tips from USA Health Integrative Health and Wellness. We cover ways you can eat better, move better, be more mindful, and find more balance to support your optimal health and well-being. Learn more.
