Supporting your child through the transition that is back-to-school.
The winds are changing.
We are reminded of it when we see a single coloured leaf on the ground, when the air around us feels cooler on our skin, and when our morning coffee is met with a different kind of daylight than the familiar blazing summer sun. We feel it in our beings, as we begin to plan for the school year ahead; the year's activities, celebrations, and plans. Although not officially the new year, September brings with it a season of change that is hard to miss.
For families who are supporting a loved one who is neurodiverse, the natural transition to fall and to school can be challenging. For some, back-to-school season seems to come out of nowhere and, for others, it is something that we have been anxiously dwelling on for some time.
You may be seeing new behaviours emerge, or be seeing old ones become more frequent. There may be endless questions, or there may be radio silence. But you know that your child is struggling. So what can you do? Here is a list of tips and tricks to help settle your home and embrace the winds of change:
Talk to your child. Talking to your child well in advance of a natural transition works to gradually acclimatize the child to change. For some families, this may mean engaging in conversations about going back to school. Ask your child what their favourite memory of last year was. Could something exciting be on the horizon this school year?
Sprinkle your home with nonverbal cues. Add nonverbal cues to your home to indicate a transition (e.g., a pumpkin on the mantle, a new box of crayons on a pillow, or bringing out some long-sleeved shirts). These verbal conversations and cues gently remind children that change is natural and that, no matter the season, you will always be there for them.
Provide quality time. Provide extra time for focused attention with your child. This could mean sitting together for 10 minutes, asking about their favourite video game, or preparing a snack together. By indicating your love and support through focused attention, you are showing your child that your love is steady.
Contact your school. Touch base with your school or advocate. Indicate to the school or advocate that your child is experiencing back-to-school jitters and that they may need additional supports.
Get grounded. Choose a grounding object with your child that can transition to school with them. This could be a stone, a note, a piece of jewelry, or a fidget. Imbue this object with love from you! Encourage the child to seek comfort in this object when they are feeling anxious.
And, as always, connect with your community. Connect with parents and families that understand and with professionals who can support you. For more tips and tricks to surviving the transition that is back-to-school, check out our Instagram and Facebook posts, or reach out to us at admin@secondnaturefamily.com.
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