Easing Kids' Back-to-School Stress: Tips for Parents

Re-establishing Routines

• ⏰ Parents can ease the transition back to school by starting to adjust bedtimes and wake-up times gradually, about 15 minutes earlier each day.
• 🏠 Rebuilding routines and structure is highlighted as healthy for children and beneficial for parents working from home.

Addressing Student Anxiety

• 💬 Parents should initiate conversations about the upcoming school year, framing it as a positive and fun experience.
• ⚠️ It's important to acknowledge and validate any nervousness or anxiety children express, reassuring them that these feelings are normal.

Managing Screen Time

• 📱 Experts recommend limiting screen time for children of all ages.
• 📵 For older students, practicing periods without phone access is advised, especially given recent bans on cell phones in classrooms.

Preparing for the School Year

• 🍽️ Re-establishing family traditions like sitting down for dinner every night can help slow down and reconnect.
• 🗓️ Experts suggest starting this routine reset at least a week before school begins to avoid a "first day frenzy."
• 📸 Parents are encouraged to share their back-to-school excitement and photos on social media and the CBS New York website.