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Posted: 2024-08-15T09:45:02Z | Updated: 2024-08-15T09:45:02Z

You might have the kind of kid who has color-coded and organized all of their notebooks to get ready for the first day of school, or the kind of kid who will throw everything in their backpack as theyre running out the door to make the bus, but most children will encounter one challenge or another as they transition back to school after summer break.

Change is hard for all of us, and that includes the change from the summer schedule and routines to the school schedule, Ariana Hoet , executive clinical director of the Kids Mental Health Foundation, told HuffPost.

Here are some of the issues that typically crop up for kids at the beginning of a new school year, and some ways that parents can offer support.

Adjusting to new schedules

We may see kids having a hard time getting back on their sleep schedule, which may mean sleepy kiddos that show difficulty in regulating their emotions or behaviors, Hoet said, adding that a rushed morning routine and packed after-school schedule can also lead to an increase in conflict between parents and kids. Talking about expectations for the year beforehand, like getting homework done before screen time, she said, can be helpful.

Your kiddo can have a hard time adjusting to going to bed sooner, waking up earlier, and staying focused throughout the day, echoed psychologist Lauren Cook .

Beginning this transition a week or two before school starts is a good idea. You can start small, for example moving the bedtime and wake up time by 15 minutes each day, Hoet said.

At the same time, if a child is experiencing anxiety around the return to school, it can make getting sleep more difficult. A child may have nightmares or trouble sleeping, especially falling asleep, Leah Orchinik , a pediatric psychologist at Nemours Childrens Hospital in Delaware, told HuffPost.

Social concerns

Insecurity around friendships is another common issue. Many kids worry about being bullied, being left out, or simply not being cool, Cook said.

Fear of not fitting in is a common worry, especially if youve moved to a new school district or your child is entering middle or high school, Orchinik said. These may seem like minor issues to parents, but fears about making new friends, being accepted by their peers, or handling new social dynamics can all be significant stressors for kids.

Kids may obsess about things like what to wear or how many likes their posts are getting on social media. If you see them getting pulled deeper into social media use, thats a clue that you may need to set stronger boundaries in place, particularly as the school year is starting, Cook said.

Kids may also have concerns about bullying or even their own safety. Make sure they know who they go to for help when they need it while they are at school.

If your child does face a bullying situation, Orchinik suggested that instead of telling your child to toughen up or fight back, you address the situation with the school in a serious manner.

When bullying happens, suggest that they keep a calm face, walk away and tell an adult at school, Orchinik advised.

Academic concerns

Worries about handling schoolwork, keeping up with assignments, or understanding new material can cause stress for many kids, Orchinik said. Emotional issues, health issues, or worries about bullying can also impact a childs academic performance, so its important to see the whole picture of whats going on in order to figure out the best way to resolve the issue.

If academic issues persist, You and/or your child might talk to their school counselor, have your child meet with a psychologist to determine if there are any other challenges that should be evaluated.