A new school year can stir up some pretty big emotions in your kid. They might be facing a totally new environment, peer group shifts, and a disruption to their summertime rhythm…all while learning something new all day every day.

It’s a lot. 

So, whether your kid is the chatty kind or the silent type, you can anticipate a range of emotional responses when it comes to starting school again. Here are some conversation topics to help you connect with your kid at the start of this new school year:

Learning isn’t always easy. 

Prepare your kids to expect not to know every answer. Remind them that they won’t be good at everything right away, and that school is the place they’re meant to be challenged and learn something new. 

A fear of fitting in. 

Your kid may have spent last year in the familiarity of home. Or their friend group dynamic may have changed. Whatever the case, help your anxious kid navigate their desire to fit in by reinforcing their identity—remind them they are great the way they are and that they already have a place where they belong, and that’s right at home. 

Focus on what is in your control. 

There will be many things your kid will face at school that they have no influence over, but what they can control is their effort and how they treat other people. Use this time to talk to your kid about what true kindness is—respect for themselves and others—and what to do when someone isn’t showing kindness to them. 

Homesickness. 

If your kids spent a lot of time at home this summer, they may find themselves missing home more than they normally would once they go back to school.

Feeling unsafe.
Hopefully, your kid won’t find themselves in a position where they don’t feel safe. But if they do, build a foundation with your kid before this point, reminding them that they can come to talk to you about anything no matter what. Remind your kids that families may have surprises for each other, but they don’t keep secrets from each other. 

Navigating change. 

Drive home the idea to your kid that change isn’t always a bad thing—we can miss what used to be, but be excited for what’s to come. Remind your kid that humans are capable of feeling different feelings all at once. 

These are just a few conversations you can expect to encounter, but these definitely won’t be all of them. Remember to approach every conversation with curiosity, patience, and grace as you learn to navigate the changes—and the emotions that go with them—together.