Creating Calm for the End of the School Year

We love our routines...and believe it or not, so do young people! They may argue and complain, but they are ultimately healthier and happier when they stick to a routine. Naturally, anxiety can creep in as routines change.  In fact, one of the greatest contributing factors to childhood anxiety is anticipated change or routine interruption. 

As the end of the school year approaches, youth may be dealing with a wide range of emotions and anxiety.  They may be nervous, worry or be restless. They may start to overreact to situations and have difficulty concentrating in school. They may even begin to complain about stomach aches or headaches.

To help kids cope with the upcoming change, start a discussion about summer plans and what interests him/her. What would they like to do or accomplish in these next few months?  Establish a budget and utilize local resources to find budget-friendly activities that are both fun and educational.

As school winds down, have a discussion with your young person about his/her feelings. Help to identify emotions so they can begin to increase their awareness and recognize possible triggers. Talk about closure and what it means to say “goodbye.” Brainstorm ways for them to reflect on the past year -- making cards for her friends or teachers is a great way to recognize all that they've accomplished!  

Most importantly, when developing a summer plan, validate your young person's feelings and listen without interrupting.  Encourage them to seek out new experiences over the summer that will help them continue to identify and develop their passions.  

Check out this article and reading list on celebrating growth and end-of-year closure.