Back to School

Authored by Anna Fullmer, LCSW

Anna Fullmer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She works with individuals (children through adulthood) and families. She is experienced with a variety of life challenges.

For many kids transitioning back to school can be a big adjustment, sometimes fraught with worries and stress, often resulting in irritability and melt downs. Making changes in routines 1-2 weeks prior to school starting can support a smoother transition into the new school year.

Sleep - start the school sleep schedule 1-2 weeks before school starts, setting earlier bedtimes and wake up times accordingly.

Screens - reduce time on screens to help kids sleep better; encourage them to be more active and go outside.

Reducing screen time can be helpful!

Preparation - include kids in buying school supplies to get them excited about the school year.

Orientation - attend if offered by your school, or create your own orientation. Take kids to see their new classrooms and meet their teachers. For teens, finding their lockers, walking to each classroom on their schedule, and getting acclimated to their school can be very helpful.

Have Fun and Relax - August is often a busy month for many families. If possible, schedule less activity in the last 1-2 weeks before school starts. Enjoy time together as a family, and do some fun outdoors activities while the weather is still pleasant. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and worries. The goal is for kids and parents to be rested and relaxed coming into the new school year.

School Starts - it’s also important to keep the schedule open in September so the focus for kids and families can be adjusting to all the changes. Kids might need extra sleep, extra snacks, extra exercise in September as they are settling in to the new school year.

There are lots of ways to help students get ready for a new school year.

Counseling can be a good support, especially for a kid who had struggles the previous school year. Aspen Family Counseling has locations in Portage and Baraboo. Aspen Family Counseling also provides counseling services in some of our local schools.

Please call our Portage office at 608-742-5020 for more information. Our address is 2639 New Pinery Rd Ste 1, Portage WI, 53901. Offering you and your family compassionate and professional advice.