Back-to-school woes? Here are 11 tips to help your child
Transitions are a natural part of life but it can be challenging especially for children with determination. Going back to school is an example of a huge transition in a child’s life which many children and parents struggle with. Here are some common issues that children face when they have to get used to new environments and people:
Noncompliance
Escape-maintained behaviors
Aggression
Decreased tolerance in completing routines
Difficulties with following schedules
Difficulty in completing routines in a timely manner
As parents, there are many ways in which you can help your children assimilate into their new environment. Here are 11 ways that you can do so:
1. Start Early
If you notice that your child is acting out more than usual, it is important to intervene early and prevent these issues from worsening instead of trying to manage them after.
A Behavior Specialist will be able to work with you and your child by using effective strategies such as the Antecedent-based interventions (ABI) that focus on prevention of issues rather than managing them. It is an evidence-based practice used to address both interfering and on-task behaviors. Working with a Behaviour Specialist can also mean working with all the stakeholders in your child’s life during the transition such as teachers in schools. With everyone working in concert, your child’s behavior will improve when they have to go back to school.
2. Get familiar with the new setting and teacher
When you have a child with determination, it is important for you to gradually introduce the new environment to them. If it’s possible, take your child to meet the teacher in advance before school reopens - as much as this helps your child, it provides an opportunity for the teacher to learn the best way to interact with your child. Tour around the school and meet the LSA if necessary.
3. Increasing predictability at your own time
Beyond working with the school, you may further communicate expectations with visual aid such as using schedules and visual support. This will help your child know what is next which decreases the uncertainty and anxiety whenever they need to transition to a new activity. Increasing predictability can also give your child more time to process the information.
4. Practice school activities
To further increase predictability when your child returns to school, explain to them what will happen during the first day of school. Some activities that you can practice are packing school lunches or bag and revising school work. You can also walk them through some expected school activities such as rehersing what they did all summer in case they have to share with their classmates.
5. Make school rewarding
If problem behavior arises when going back to school, you can consider allowing them to take one preferred item (for example a small toy) to school. Having their favourite toy with them might provide them emotional comfort and reduce anxiety. When buying back-to-school supplies, try to purchase your child’s favourite colour, animals or cartoon character. This will motivate them to want to go back to school and even be excited. Some other ways to motivate them include packing their favourite snacks and talking about their best friend.
6. Increase distinction
Ensure that your child has everything that they need packed for school such as books and stationery. If possible, try working with teachers to establish a conducive environment for your child.
7. Create structure
It is important to establish a structure whenever your child is transitioning into a new phase. To increase independence in your child, guide them to make choices for themselves - show and model to your child instead of instructing and demanding and always provide choices.
8. Adjust routines
When transitioning back to school, routines will definitely change. One of the new activities that you and your child can do is to set up a new schedule together. Communicate the reasons as to why there is a need to adjust parts of the routine such as wake up time and bed time. Accepting the new routine is going to take some time and it’s not going to happen overnight. To get your child used to the new routine in time for school, start the new schedule in advance and implement it slowly.
9. Keep your child’s records and plans
Have your therapeutic plans ready. Here are some examples of therapeutic plans:
SLT
ABA
OT
PT
Psyc
It is also important to have your child’s records organized and available.
10. Keeping your expectations in check
As much as you can lay all the ground work to help your child prepare for every scenario, these methods might not work everytime. It is important to manage your expectations - start small and gradually increase your expectations. Use lots of reinforcements to shape your child’s behavior. Always rememeber to remain calm and positive!
11. Family rapport
Try to maintain a long timeline of positive rapport before school starts. This will help to reduce anxiety and increase flexibility within boundaries.
Does your child need a personalised behavioral plan?
We are able to provide ABA support and improve your child’s problem behavior. Please reach out to hello@bemeservices.com for personalised help.