How Arizona parents can help students beat the back-to-school blahs

Mia Vega

Submitted photo

Sports, music, theater and clubs are a great way to help students broaden their interests and take their mind off classroom worries. Remember to set aside enough free time for them to just be a kid.”

Back-to-school season is always a big adjustment for Arizona students and families. Making the transition from summer days to a classroom regimen is challenging for many young students.

Academics aside, the return to school also brings with it a host of social pressures — making new friends, and navigating new schools and teachers. A bit of back-to-school anxiety is normal!

Fortunately, there are steps every family can take to ease this transition. Here are five tips to help students get their school year off to a great start:

Create a daily routine

Children crave structure. Help them get back into an academic mindset by designating the same time to wake up and go to bed. Establish homework and study routines. And make sure they get each day started with a healthy breakfast.

Model enjoyment of reading

One of the most powerful ways parents can encourage a love of reading is by letting their children see them reading for enjoyment — whether a book, magazine or tablet.

Setting aside family reading time, even just 15 minutes a day, demonstrates reading is important. Also, talking about a book you're reading or reading a book together helps children associate reading with positive experiences and family connection.

Don’t forget extracurricular activities

Sports, music, theater and clubs are a great way to help students broaden their interests and take their mind off classroom worries. Remember to set aside enough free time for them to just be a kid.

Talk with your child, and their teachers

Often, the best way to resolve your child’s back-to-school anxiety is to talk about it. Rather than quizzing children as soon as they walk in the door, wait until you’re at the dinner table, heading to soccer practice or another opportunity when they’re more likely to let their guard down a bit.

Ask questions that require more than a one-word answer, such as, “What was something you learned in math today?” or “What was the most fun part of recess? This is a good way to encourage story-telling and to keep the conversation positive.

Parents also shouldn’t be shy about reaching out to teachers. An open line of communication between children, parents and teachers is critical.

Don’t expect perfection

There will be good days and not-so-good days. Helping your child navigate these ups and downs and cope with failure without quitting is a key skill they’ll need long after their days in the classroom are over.

Research tells us this superpower of perseverance — known more commonly as grit — is a common trait found in successful people and a characteristic every family will want to encourage.

Most of all, remember that children are resilient and almost always find their way.

Editor’s note: Mia Vega is superintendent of Legacy Traditional School’s Arizona campuses. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.