Steps 5 – 8 of Anxiety Canada’s – Our 12-step back to school checklist for parents
Follow these simple tips to help students minimize their anxiety on the first day back.
A couple of days before school:
5. Do a dry run
• Go to school several times – walking, driving, or taking the bus
• For young children, describe and draw out the route and include how long it will take
• For younger children, go to the schoolyard and play a few times before the first day of school
6. Tour the School
• For new students, take a tour of the school
• Show your child the classrooms, the cafeteria, and the bathrooms
• Meet your child’s teacher with your child present, if possible
7. Plan the Outfits
• Ask your child to help choose the outfits for the first week of school
• Let your child pick out his or her favorite outfit for the first day
8. Pack the Backpack
• Together with your child, pack the backpack the night before, including non-perishable treats