Helping young ones overcome first-day jitters

Hearing the words “back to school” always made me and my siblings tremble when we were young. Even though we returned to teachers and books every September, we moaned and groaned, mostly because we were kids, and what child wants to go to school after two-plus months of summer freedom?

Back then, the season was filled with traditions and rituals that began weeks before the first school bell rang. We spent hours choosing the perfect folders, notebooks, and pens, trying on countless pairs of pants, and squeezing our feet into brand-new shoes.

Many years later, the routines remain much the same (I can empathize with my grandkids!). As an adult, however, I’ve come to view this time of year from a different perspective.

The transition from the carefree days of summer to the structured routine of the academic calendar is a significant milestone for everyone. It serves as preparation for adulthood and future careers while offering families the chance to strengthen their bonds.

Finding the right mindset

Back-to-school rituals go beyond a checklist of tasks; they are crucial in preparing our children for the new challenges and opportunities that await them. These rituals help establish a routine, foster community connections, and set the tone for a successful school year.

The return to early mornings and the hustle of getting everyone out the door on time can be a rough adjustment. It takes time to turn the process into a well-oiled machine (at least on most days) and recalibrate our internal and external clocks.

Yet, it’s a small price to pay. Our children can approach the new school year with a renewed mindset and the chance to make new friends. They can choose to embrace the year with optimism or pessimism, and as parents and grandparents, we have the power to guide this choice.

A recent conversation I had with the motivational speaker Jordan Toma reminded me of the power parents have in helping children succeed in school. He shared how he hated school and “did everything I could not to be in the classroom.”

His mom, Debbie , did everything she could to keep her son on the right track. Eventually, her work paid off. As Jordan told me:

“Whenever I got to a spot in my life where it was hard, I just quit. I hated that feeling, and I just wondered, ‘What if my mom is right? What if I just really commit for once in my life?’”

It turns out his Amazing Mom was right. To learn more about their journey, be sure to check out this week’s Celebrations Chatter podcast .

Encouraging back-to-school happiness

Instilling optimism in our children during this time of year is crucial. A positive mindset can significantly impact their success. If they approach the school year with dread, they may face challenges with hesitation and a sense of defeat, hindering their ability to learn and grow.

On the other hand, if they begin the school year with a positive mindset, they are more likely to embrace new opportunities, overcome obstacles with resilience, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

Reconnecting with school communities

Back-to-school rituals also provide an opportunity to reconnect with the community.

After a summer apart, it’s not just children who rekindle relationships and forge new friendships. Parents also connect with other families at the school, whether at the bus stop, PTA meetings, or back-to-school nights. They can also reconnect with neighbors who may have been away on vacation.

Every interaction this time of year invites instant conversation: What was the highlight of your vacation? When did you move to the neighborhood? How do you like the school so far? It’s also an opportunity to extend a helping hand to newcomers by offering guidance and introducing them to other friends.

This sense of community is crucial for everyone’s social and emotional development. It’s not just about academics; it’s about belonging and being part of something larger than oneself. These interactions help our children feel more secure and supported as they navigate the school year.

Watching memories being made

As we prepare our children – and ourselves – for the new school year, let’s remember that these rituals are more than just tasks; they’re opportunities to create lasting memories for our children. Many of us look back fondly on our own back-to-school experiences, and we want our children to have similar memories to cherish.

That’s why we should embrace this time of year with optimism and excitement. Let’s encourage our children to see the possibilities the new school year offers, approach it with enthusiasm, and seize the fresh start. And let’s be there to support them every step of the way, as they grow, learn, and become the best versions of themselves.

All the best,

Jim