Back-to-School Success Tips for Parents

By Joanna Barrett, LMHC, LPC, E-RYT

As the school year kicks off, I wanted to share some of my favorite back-to-school tips to help parents and families navigate this busy time. Below I have listed some of my favorite practical strategies. In addition, some tips to make the back-to-school transition smoother and more manageable for everyone.

1. Get Organized & Manage Your Time Wisely:

• Create a daily, weekly, and monthly schedule for you and your family.
• Use a paper planner or calendar app to color code important dates, deadlines, appointments, and meetings.
• Set aside specific times for your children to study, spend family time, and relax. Set aside time for yourself, too.
• Use your free time to pursue hobbies or activities that help you relax and recharge.
• Designate a space for backpacks, sports gear, lunchboxes, etc.
• Make sure study spaces have all the supplies needed.
• Avoid procrastination and distractions, such as social media, video games, and TV.  Be clear with boundaries and expectations.
• Communicate necessary tasks that are included in morning, afternoon, and evening routines. 
• Create a checklist and mark off completed items.  Offer positive rewards regularly. 

2.  Prioritize Self-Care & Stay Motivated:

• Taking care of yourself is essential for your physical, mental, and emotional wellness.  This doesn’t need to take a lot of time. 
• Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise, hydration, and healthy foods.
• Practice mindfulness and/or meditation to reduce stress and anxiety. 
• Join a class or group to meet like-minded people (and for helpful accountability). 
• Model the importance of self-care as part of healthy living for your children.
• Encourage your whole family to engage in activities that support self-care, wellness, and joy.
• Adjust and modify self-care routines as needed (they can shift and change with each season, just like the seasons of your life).
• Positive encouragement and a reward system can help you stay on track.

3. Build & Deepen Relationships:

• Build positive relationships with teachers to enhance your children’s learning experience.
• Develop new relationships with other parents to support your social network and your children’s friendships. 
• Nourish your current relationships.  Ask for help when needed.
• Be respectful and open-minded toward others, especially if they have different beliefs or views than you and your family. 
• Participate in parent meetings and attend school events when your schedule allows. 
• Consider volunteering with the PTA or coaching a sports team. 
• Be mindful of your bandwidth when committing to social events.
• Engage with your children in activities that bring more playtime, creativity, and joy!

4. Nurture Your Happiness:

• Reframe “negative” thoughts to “neutral” or “positive.”  Practice reframing whenever possible. 
• Teach your children the power of envisioning positive outcomes for test-taking, oral presentations, school performances, sports games, etc.
• Teach your children about the positive impact of a gratitude journal.  Acknowledging what you are grateful for helps bring more happiness to your day. 
• Utilize positive rewards for you and your family members.  A basic acknowledgment is sufficient (it doesn’t have to cost money).
• Celebrate goals and milestones, including all the small steps along the way.
• You don’t have to do this alone!  Reach out to me for professional support if you find yourself struggling.

Are you interested in learning more about how I can support you and your family? Please complete the New Client Inquiry Form and let’s get started today!