The new school year is full of excitement—new friends, new routines, and new opportunities! But it’s also natural for kids (and parents!) to feel nervous about adapting to changes or managing the stress that comes with a new schedule. From navigating new classrooms to balancing homework and activities, those first few weeks can feel overwhelming.
Here are 4 simple, practical ways to ease back-to-school jitters and help your family find calm, confidence and plenty of smiles.
🌸 For Kids: Flower & Candle Breathing
- Inhale like smelling a flower 🌺
- Exhale like blowing out a candle 🕯️
- Repeat 3–5 times.
- Perfect for a quick reset at school or home!
🌿 For Parents: 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
- 5 things you see 👀
- 4 things you touch 🖐️
- 3 things you hear 👂
- 2 things you smell 👃
- 1 thing you taste 👅
- Bring yourself back to the present and breathe 😮💨
🌞 Morning Affirmations
Start the day with positivity:
- “You are brave. You are kind. You are creative. You are loved.”
- Let kids make their own affirmations too!
✨ DIY Worry Stones
- Mix 2 parts flour, 2 parts salt, 1 part water
- Add color or glitter (optional)
- Shape small cubes, press thumb into each side
- Dry or bake, then carry in pocket
- Rub your stone when feeling nervous—great for first-day jitters!
💛 Quick Tip: Combine breathing, grounding, affirmations and worry stones to help your family feel calm, confident, and ready for a great school year!
