5 Simple Ways to Help Your Sensitive Child (and Yourself) Transition Peacefully into the School Year

It's that time of year again. The smell of fresh new school supplies greets our noses as we enter our nearby stores and our first-to-change tree in the backyard is showing the first glimpse of yellow. It's back to school time. And for our child who struggles a bit with transitions, we'll be doing some things to help us all transition more smoothly that we may as well share with you! Whether you're homeschooling as we are, going to a local public or private school, or a combo of these, here are five sinple ways to help your child (and yourself) transition peacefully into the school year.

1) Honor and hold space for ALL feelings during this school transition

First and foremost, make time to truly listen to and discuss feelings associated with starting school for the year. There is often the expectation of excitement which may certainly be present, but it's okay for a child (or adult) to feel nervous or anxious about particular aspects of school as well. Try your best not to dismiss these feelings and instead, hold space for them to talk about them. Sometimes just listening and letting themselves get their worries out is helpful. Other times you may be able to offer choices or ideas that help them to feel more calm and settled. By being given this space to process without being told how they should feel, they'll also feel reassured that they can come to you with anything as the year carries on. This is by far the most important of tips, and one that should be returned to often throughout the school year.

2) Assess your child's specific comforts

Every child is unique, and every sensitive person has certain ways they are most easily overwhelmed. Personally, if I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed or over-stimulated, sound is the first thing to make me feel disregulated. Therefore, I keep sound reducing earplugs nearby that I can easily pop in, and ear buds to play music soothing to my nervous system. Consider how you can help your own child or children do the same within the expectations of your school. For example, our daughter is often flustered and agitated by clothing that doesn't feel good to her skin, so a brand new outfit with unfamiliar fabric may not be the most comforting first day apparel.

3) Support sensory needs

Most highly sensitive kiddos (regardless of age) also have particular sensory objects or stimuli that are soothing to them. Perhaps a small squishy toy or non-disruptive fidget may be allowed in the classroom to support during times of high stress. Maybe you can help make sure their favorite cozy sweatshirt is clean for the day of a big test. It's possible a water bottle with a soft silicone straw may bring comfort to them as they hydrate. Maybe an essential oil necklace with their favorite soothing scent helps them to feel connected to you as your days shift.

4) Make the transition gradual

If you're able, begin introducing small changes gradually rather than an abrupt transition from summer routine into fall. A simple way to do this is to write down all the changes big and small. From the time they need to go to bed and awake in the morning, to how they'll get to and from school, as well as little changes in between, jot them all down. Then make a plan to introduce these changes one or two at a time. For example, begin gradually moving bedtime back and waking time up by 15 minutes each day until they are where they need to be. If you're able, practice the route to school or how you'll begin your homeschool day for several days before you actually begin. By taking your time and doing so slowly and with intention, this transition will feel more gentle.

5) Schedule rest and recharge time

Regardless the age or type of schooling, this shift can be exhausting for all! As well as making sure you're all getting enough sleep, schedule in time after the school today for a little wind down time. Often your kiddo has been holding plenty of pent-up emotion and energy throughout the day that they may need to release. Your child may need a little quiet time with a nap or reading, or to swing around like a monkey at a local park. Once school begins, extra-curricular activities often pick up as well. Expectations and workload seem to continue increasing for our kids but they require play, joyful exploration, and time to rest and integrate most of all. Ensure there is a daily rest and reset routine, as well as at least one day a week where they have the freedom to simply be kids!

These tips will help your household to transition smoothly and peacefully into the school year. Do you have a sensitive kiddo or educate some? What tips would you add to this list?