By Albiona M. Rakipi
The lazy days of summer are winding down, and the whisper of "back to school" is starting to echo through our homes. For many parents, this means a flurry of last-minute adventures mixed with the looming challenge of re-establishing school-day rhythms. But what if we told you that building solid routines can be your secret weapon against back-to-school anxiety for both you and your Supercrew?
Here at Team Supercrew, we believe in empowering parents to equip their children with the emotional language and tools to navigate big feelings. And when it comes to managing those inevitable back-to-school jitters, routines are an incredible superpower!
How Routines Impact Emotional Regulation
Kids thrive on feeling safe. The more secure they feel, the better equipped they are to understand and regulate their emotions. So, how do we create that feeling of safety amidst the excitement and changes of a new school year? The answer lies in balanced, consistent, and predictable routines.
Children inherently crave structure and the ability to anticipate their day. While life throws us curveballs, having a general framework for our days provides an anchor. This predictability helps kids feel grounded, allowing them to better manage those "big feelings" when the inevitable frustrations or uncertainties pop up.
Crafting a Super Routine That Works for Your Family
1. Empower Independence (and Confidence!):
One of the most powerful aspects of routines is the opportunity to foster independence. The more we ask of our kids, the more capable they feel – even if their initial reaction suggests otherwise. Trust your child to manage simple, age-appropriate tasks within their routine, such as getting dressed, brushing their teeth, packing their backpack, or grabbing breakfast. When we give children the autonomy to navigate their mornings (and evenings!), it builds immense confidence. This takes practice and patience, but it’s a lifelong skill that truly empowers them.
If you find yourself constantly nudging or "policing" your kids through their routine ("Go brush your teeth!" "Time to get dressed, we’re going to be late!"), now is the perfect time to shift gears. Use these last weeks of summer as a gentle training ground. Let them try managing parts of the routine independently. It might be a bit messy at first, but the long-term benefits are huge!
2. Calmness is Contagious:
Routines aren't just for the kids; they’re a game-changer for parents, too! When our predictable routines run smoothly, it brings a sense of calm to our own nervous systems. And here's the magic: calmness is incredibly contagious. The more grounded and centered you feel as a parent, the more likely your child will feel that sense of ease as well.
Conversely, when we panic and rush through routines chaotically, our children’s nervous systems naturally become dysregulated. Instead, take a breath. Establish a routine, practice it with your little ones (make it playful!), and remember that embedding new habits takes time and consistency.
Talk It Out with Your Kids
Before the new routine kicks into high gear, take the time to talk about it with your kids. This is where your Team Supercrew resources really shine! Use the language from our stories to help your child articulate the emotions they might be feeling about the upcoming school year. Talk about characters who felt afraid or worried about making mistakes. These are incredibly common feelings when faced with change.
Perhaps they'll feel frustrated with the new routine initially. Talk about this openly. Pull out your Team Supercrew SOS Kit! Which strategies from the kit does your child love? How can they utilize these tools to help them stay calm and centered as they adjust to this new routine?
By proactively discussing, practicing, and empowering your children within their routines, you'll witness a remarkable shift. As these predictable rhythms become embedded, your child will sense the safety and security they crave, and their back-to-school anxiety will begin to subside. Remember, kids – and parents – rely on consistent, predictable routines to feel their best. Let's make this back-to-school season a super success!
