Let’s face it: going back to school isn’t easy. While the return of school may mean relief from the active onslaught of summertime, summer break is usually long enough for parents and kids to get into a comfortable routine that’s tough to break. For kids, of course, returning to the regimen and early mornings of the school year is a tough transition to say the least!
But as August turns into September and school buses once again return, there is no need to despair. Keeping a few simple tips in mind, the back to school transition can be a breeze.
Prepare
Going back to school is a rude awakening from the lazy days of summer. Planning and coordination are required for even the most basic of school days. But is there a way to make this more structured routine fun?
The key here is to prepare. By looking ahead to the first days, weeks, and months of school, you can give yourself a tremendous boost of confidence. Even better, by selecting school gear like book bags, lunch boxes, and clothing that you actually like, you can turn school into something to look forward too.
Another plus of preparing before school: no more hectic mornings. While this doesn’t mean that you might leave behind a lunch bag or textbook occasionally, consistent preparation will translate into a morning routine that enables you enough time to truly take on the school day in stride.
Getting in There!
One of the most intimidating parts of going back to school or, even worse, starting school for the first time can be “breaking the ice.” For kids and adults alike, reaching out to strangers can be one of life’s most frustrating challenges. But starting conversations and putting yourself “out there” does not have to be something to dread.
Instead, it might be helpful to remember that everyone else is also starting school. This means that, effectively, everyone you are around is most likely dealing with similar anxieties about the new social atmosphere. If you consider that everyone has this is in common, it suddenly becomes easier to reach out. Introductory conversations can easily be had through comparing class schedules, locker assignments, or just general plans. By showing others support and lending an ear, you are very likely to break the ice and will probably gain a friend!
After The Thaw
After the ice has been broken, the next question is: now what? How do you take the classmates you’ve broken the ice with and turn them into friends? Here’s the secret: it tends to just happen.
It’s important to note that making friends does in fact require effort. However, if you interact with others while acting yourself and treating others with respect, you are sure to turn brief conversations into memorable ones. Soon, these ice-breaking exchanges lead to name exchanges, lunch plans, and more friend connections.
Niche is Nice
A common and justifiable fear about going back to school can be summed up in word: cliques. Cliques threaten to bully and exclude those who they determine don’t belong. But guess what: you don’t need them.
One of the best things about going back to school is that routine and activities offer a chance to branch out and try something new. Have you always wanted to play a sport? Why not try it out! Interested in painting? See if your school has an art club! Even better, try and start your own club or after school group. By letting your interests, hobbies, and passions determine who you spend most of your time around, you will be naturally around people who can be your friends.
Going to School
Many adults can say that school was one of the most formative periods of their lives. If you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Going to school is one of the first times that we are away from home, surrounded by people who we don’t know, and instructed by adults we are unfamiliar with. It’s a true character building experience.
But by being yourself and treating others with kindness, respect, and compassion, the return to school can be something other than dreaded. Going back to school is an adventure you don’t want to miss.