Back-to-School Tips and Resources

School is back in session, and whether your child is starting a new school or is a returning student, back-to-school jitters are super common. Here are some fun and creative tips to ensure a smooth transition, plus links to helpful resources like local organizations, mindfulness apps, book series, and more.

1. Be Gentle with Yourself and Your Children

Take a moment to breathe before responding to your child’s concerns. Be mindful of the conversations you have in front of your children, as these can add to their anxieties.

2. End the Day with Gratitude

Focus on positive talk with your child. Discuss the three best parts of the day to foster a positive mindset.

3. Incorporate a Visual Schedule

A visual schedule allows students with autism to know what to expect and when. This can help reduce anxiety about non-preferred events by preparing them ahead of time.

4. Connect with Others

Seek out opportunities to connect with others. Social connections provide meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

5. Have Fun

Humor can be a great coping mechanism during life’s challenges—it allows us to emotionally distance ourselves from a situation to take on new perspectives. Humor fosters flexibility in thinking.

6. Consider What Has Worked Before

Reflect on what has helped during stressful times in the past. Reintroduce those strategies now.

7. Learn Something New

Taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, or trying something new is a great way to redirect attention from worry and stress to something that can bring about positive and new experiences.

8. Exercise

Exercise has a profound impact on mental health. Aim for thirty minutes of moderate exercise five times a week, but even two 15-minute or three 10-minute sessions can be effective.

9. Meditation and Mindfulness

Explore YouTube videos on breathing exercises for children to help reduce stress.

10. Headspace App

This mindfulness app offers free access to all K-12 teachers, school administrators, and supporting staff in the US.

11. Psychological and Psychoeducational Testing at Goodman JFS

At Goodman JFS, we offer comprehensive psychological and psychoeducational testing to support your child’s educational and emotional needs. Our experts can help identify learning differences, ADHD, and other challenges, providing tailored feedback to help your child reach their full potential.