I have children who feel big feelings and struggle with anxiety, and at our house, first day of school prep includes an early return to the school night routine. This is one less thing to struggle with as we return to early wake ups and adjust to new teachers and classes. Leading up to school and for the first few weeks, we also place an extra focus on asking each other the high and low of our day. It can feel corny, but it keeps a flow of conversation going and it is much harder to dismiss than the similar “how was your day?” These simple steps help connect us and alert me quickly when problems arise. Issues will ebb and flow in any school year, but a strong transition from summer to school fortifies all of us. As you might have guessed, another one of my strategies is to fiercely guard our time for reading together. If you or someone you love is nervous about any aspect of the school year, there is likely a picture book for that. Books about the school experience have blossomed over the past few years, going from a general overview of a school day to a vary array of titles that hone in on specific experiences and situations. Hopefully you’ve found a book or two that will help to soothe and celebrate any first day of school emotions that spring up. If you’re looking for more, check out this list of back to school picture books. Happy reading, and have a great school year!
