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The Conversation
The Conversation
Lifestyle
Shannon Pickett, Professor of Psychology and Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Purdue University

How to get your kids ready to go back to school without stress − 5 tips from an experienced school counselor

Having backpacks ready to go the night before can help students get their school day off to a good start. Jose Luis Pelaez Inc/DigitalVision via Getty Images

The shift from summer vacation to going back to school can be tough for children and their families. Beyond adjusting to new routines, the transition requires handling a mix of emotions. While some kids might feel excited about new teachers and classmates, others may experience anxiety, sadness or uncertainty about the upcoming school year.

With 15 years of counseling school-age children, I’ve seen how common these stresses can be. I also have three school-age kids of my own. Here are five strategies to make the transition smoother that I not only share with the families I counsel, but that I also apply in my own home.

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