Making Back to School Easier for Families 

As the summer draws to a close, the excitement and anticipation of a new school year begins to fill the air. However, for many families, the back-to-school season can also be a source of stress and chaos. From adjusting sleep schedules to organizing supplies, there’s a lot to manage. Ozarks Community Hospital has some practical tips and strategies to help make the transition back to school smoother for both parents and children.  

OCH provider and Licensed Professional Counselor, Susan “Sue” Matthews has some tips and strategies to help you and your family have a safe and successful school year!   

Sue’s first tip is to help promote positive social opportunities for your child. “If your child has been making themselves more isolated than normal (staying home or in their room), cancelling plans with friends, avoiding social activities etc., it’s important to provide and support opportunities for them to interact with peers.” A healthy social life is important for children because it significantly contributes to their emotional and psychological development. Positive social interactions help children develop essential skills such as empathy, communication, and cooperation.  

Sue’s next tip is to model positive coping skills. “Children watch adults closely and look for a sense of security. If we model effective strategies for coping with anxiety, they will learn from us.”  

Practice going through anxiety-provoking situations, such as trying to find a classroom or someone to sit with during lunch, and then help your child process their feelings about what makes them feel any emotions related to different scenarios. Try to implement some positive coping skills in some of these situations.  

Lastly, stay informed and connected. Monitor emails from the school closely to stay up to date on safety protocol changes and potential changes to school schedules. Stay connected with teachers and sign up for a parent portal account. Most schools will have someone who can offer help with this if needed.  

The back-to-school season doesn’t have to be a stressful time for families. By implementing these tips and strategies, you can create a smoother transition for both you and your child.  

Below are additional tips you can implement at home to help make back to school a smooth and exciting transition!  

Back to School Tips and Strategies:

• Establish a Routine: One of the most effective ways to ease the back-to-school transition is by gradually re-establishing a routine. Start by gradually adjusting sleep schedules a couple of weeks before the school year begins. Encourage earlier bedtimes and wake-up times to help your child’s body adjust to the upcoming schedule. Establishing consistent mealtimes and incorporating regular study or reading hours can also help set expectations and provide structure.  

• Create a Family Calendar: Keeping track of everyone’s schedules can be overwhelming. Consider creating a family calendar that includes all family members’ activities, appointments, and important school dates. Utilize different colors or symbols for each person to make it easier to identify who is doing what. A shared digital calendar or a physical one placed in a common area of the house can be beneficial for everyone to stay organized and avoid conflicts. 

• Involve Children in the Preparation: Empower your children by involving them in the back-to-school preparation process. Take them shopping for school supplies, allowing them to choose items within a budget. Encourage them to participate in selecting their outfits for the first day of school. Involving children in these decisions can build excitement, increase their sense of responsibility, and give them a feeling of ownership over their education. 

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Sue Matthews, LPC, please call the Jasper County Clinic at 417-237-0604. Sue is available to see patients aged 12 and up and specializes in helping patients and their families navigate through behavioral health issues, anxiety and depression and works closely with school systems to help her patients succeed in all aspects of their lives.