{"id":4301,"date":"2022-08-03T16:51:25","date_gmt":"2022-08-03T16:51:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/?p=4301"},"modified":"2022-08-03T19:14:41","modified_gmt":"2022-08-03T19:14:41","slug":"tips-to-conquer-back-to-school-jitters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/tips-to-conquer-back-to-school-jitters\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Tips to Conquer Back-to-School Jitters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Dealing with a case of the back-to-school jitters? These tips will help! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember how nerve wracking those first days of school felt after long summers of kicking back, blissfully free of homework and classrooms? There may be a lot to miss about being a kid, but probably not that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your child is wrestling with that anxiety as the first day approaches, we\u2019ve got you covered. Here are some tips to help your kid (and you) cope with back-to-school jitters and feel ready to take on a new school year.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Help Them Cope With Back-to-school Jitters <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1. Let \u2018em know it\u2019s normal. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Struggling to get back into the groove of waking up early, and facing new teachers, new classmates and new challenges is nearly universal. Let them know you\u2019ve been there and that their peers are probably experiencing the same thing. Help them understand there is nothing weird or wrong with feeling nervous, and reassure them that it\u2019ll pass. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Lean into the excitement.  <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes you don\u2019t know how much you\u2019ll love something until you dive in. Remind them of all the times they may have been scared of something that turned out to be fun. Whether it\u2019s learning how to skateboard, taking the first plunge off the high dive or making a new friend, one of the best things about life is that even things that seem scary can turn into something wonderful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Get ahead of the routine. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ever feel extra restless when you\u2019ve got a big, early day ahead of you? Kids are no different. So start getting them used to the new routine a few days in advance. That might mean setting a morning alarm, preparing outfits the night before, figuring out breakfast and bath schedules (or all of the above). Whatever your routine is, it\u2019ll also make things less stressful for you when the big day arrives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Put them in control. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s no fun being pushed into a big change you don\u2019t feel ready for. Ease that feeling of helplessness by giving them a voice when it comes to things they can <\/em>control. When shopping for school supplies, let them pick their pencils and folders and backpacks. Let them (if possible) pick their outfits and favorite food for breakfast. No matter how trivial it may seem, even little choices help. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Make books your friend. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

We may not always have the perfect answers and solutions to soothe our kiddos through life\u2019s challenges, but that\u2019s what books are for! From silly picture books to comics and chapter books, there are tons of amazing options out there with relatable characters and teachable moments to help them sort out their feelings. Check out this Back to School collection<\/a> on Epic Unlimited: From topics kids love to engaging ways to read, these books will get your kid excited to get back to the classroom. Until Aug. 31, you can get 25% Off an annual subscription<\/a> plus a free backpack!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are just a couple picks included in the collection: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Conquer
Let your kid sense, explore and befriend any feeling with this book that promotes mindfulness, emotional well-being and resilience. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\"Conquer
Follow a little boy through an alphabet of emotions, from adored and curious, to nervous, grumpy and strong. 


<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Empower them with the right skills. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no better time like Back to School to start building lifelong coping skills like identifying and expressing emotions. Ask them what physical sensations they experience when they feel worried or scared. Are they blushing? Feeling sweaty? Clenching their hands? Encourage awareness and help them self soothe. Some tactics include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n