
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.