5 Tips for Easing School Adjustment

There’s only a short time left before the end of summer vacation. Expert psychologist Ezgi Dokuzlu Tezel recommends returning to old routines to help children adapt to school. She says: "Talk with your children about their plans and expectations for the new school year, and show that you respect their decisions and opinions about school. Avoid pressuring conversations, interrogations, comparisons, and accusatory language. Set aside one day a week for discussing feelings and thoughts."

Psychologist Ezgi Dokuzlu Tezel reminds that school is a great socialization space for children. "Although children may be sad about the end of vacation, they miss their friends and the school environment, which is their own space. Children who initially struggle with adaptation will eventually adjust," she says.

Ezgi Dokuzlu Tezel provides the following advice to parents to support their child's school adaptation:

Adjust the sleep schedule to school hours.

Reset the sleep schedule to match school timings at least a week before school starts. This will help children wake up feeling more refreshed and comfortable.

Ensure the child spends time with school friends before school starts.

Allow children to meet with school friends they haven’t seen during the vacation before school starts. This strengthens their social bonds and eases their adaptation to school.

Discuss feelings with the children.

Talking about feelings, highlighting their strengths, and acknowledging their achievements are important factors in boosting motivation, especially when starting a new school year. Have short discussions about the importance of school and remind them that it’s a great opportunity for learning, development, and social connections.

Choose school supplies together.

Organizing school supplies and choosing stationery or school clothes with the child can play a motivating role in their return to school.

Do not impose high expectations at the start of school.

Avoid bringing up high academic expectations immediately at the start of school. Set small goals and progress gradually.