During times of change, such as returning to school, it is important for kids to have a stable and consistent foundation to come home to. Simple strategies such as asking kids what their best part of the day and their worst part of the day was, at suppertime, creates a light setting that encourages a platform for deeper conversation at bedtime, if need be.  As parents, we open the lines of communication by inviting this type of dialogue on a regular basis.

Other strategies such as spending one on one time with our children daily shows our kids that we are interested and invested in what they are doing.  When we slow down our own schedule to focus on our children and their needs in the moment, there is also a pleasure principle that occurs from being in present time: we become more aware and are wholly committed to our child's well-being.  Our kids get the message that they matter.  Even if only spending time for a few minutes of this one on one time daily.  

In addition, children tend to talk more when they are doing an activity versus having to maintain eye contact during a conversation.  By taking part in activities such as playing games or even organizing homework together, it makes it easier for them to talk if they choose to.  Relating to your kids by sharing a time when you felt like they did and giving specific examples of times you have felt anxious, concerned, fidgety and/or restless, may be especially helpful for them during times of transition.  It can take time to assimilate all the changes to routine that happens in September; new faces, classrooms, teachers- there is natural anxiety that occurs within our children's energy. It doesn't mean it is a negative occurrence. It brings with it tremendous areas of opportunity for growth. 

By giving our kids this structure daily of checking in with them to see what was good and what may have been not so good, this action adds another brick in the foundation we strive to build for them.   Ultimately, this foundation is the emotional base our children grow from and eventually what structure they take with them in order to build a foundation of their own.