By Mechal Weiss, Child Mind Institute

Going back to school after summer vacation can be tough for kids, especially those who are  anxious to start or who find change difficult to handle. Aunts can play a big role in helping kids manage fears and get a good start in the new school year. Here are some pointers to get you started:
 
1.  Take them shopping: Shopping for school supplies early helps prime kids for their return to the classroom. And giving kids choices about small things—what to wear, what book bag to take, what folder to use—can help them feel more in control.
 
2.  Talk about fears and feelings: Give kids a chance to express anxiety. If your nephew is worried about his new teacher or whether his friends will be in his class, don't reassure him that everything will be fine, or tell him not to worry. Validate his feelings, but let him know you're confident that he can handle it.
 
3.  Don’t share your anxieties: When you check in with your niece and ask things like, “Did you make any friends?” it can be shaming for a child who is struggling to fit in. Instead, try to ask neutral questions: “Tell me three things you like/don’t like about your new class.”
 
4.  Role-play: Making a plan for dealing with anxiety-inducing situations can help kids feel confident about coping with them when they arise. Have your niece act out the part of a strict teacher or bullying classmate, and help her model an appropriate response.

5.  Remember the positive: Worries aside, the start of school is exciting, and most kids can think of things they’re looking forward to, whether it's seeing friends, new activities, playing sports, or new clothes. Help your niece or nephew start looking forward to all the good things that going back to school brings.
 
Aunts can do a lot to make the back to school experience a better one for nieces and nephews. Try out these tips and see how much brighter their school days are!

Published: August 13, 2014