When the Older Siblings go Back to School

It is back to school season. It can be a very exciting and nerve-racking time for students heading back to school. But, what about the younger siblings left at home? This is a trying time for them as well. There are quite a lot of feelings that could be going through them at this time. It can range from stress and anxiety to even excitement.

Keep in mind that any change in routine or structure can mess young toddlers and preschoolers up. Children love structure. And structure gives your child something they can count on.

This time doesn’t have to be full of anxiety. Here are some ways to make the transition easier.

7 Ways to Make Transition Easier when Older Siblings Go Back to School

Have a Plan - Knowing that the first day of school might be difficult on the younger child is half the battle. Planning out what you are going to do to ease there discomfort is the other half. Write down your concerns and what you think would ease your child’s worries. You know your child better than anyone else. What do you think will make this time easier? What are his or her hobbies? How will you and your child spend the school days together until the older siblings come home? Having a plan will make this time not only easier on the child, but easier for you as well.

Start Preparing your Child Early - Yes, we know this time can be scary. But, what is even scarier for a child is not being prepared for change when it happens. So, start preparing the younger child for the fact that the older children will be starting school soon. Ask the child how he or she feels about it. Let the child know that everything will be okay and what your plans will be for the day when the older children are at school. Your child will find comfort in knowing what’s ahead.
Start your child taking Lessons that coincide with their older siblings going to school - One of the feelings that your youngest child might be feeling is jealousy. Your child might be jealous in the fact that the older children will be heading to school to learn. Why not have your youngest child start a class of his or her own. There are tons of lessons your little one can take. What does your little one want to learn? What are his or her interests? Check out your local YMCA, JCC or Community Center for Lessons. Your child will love the fact that they can learn something new too.
Do something daily just the two of you - One nice thing about having the older children away at school is that there is much more time for you and your little one. This is a great time to spend quality time together. One on one time with your child can really deepen your relationship with them. Let your child know that you are looking forward to doing something special together. Sit down with your youngest and come up with some ideas of how you are going to spend this time together. Don’t be surprised if your little one is no longer scared and sad about the older children going off to school….. but instead these feelings are replaced with excitement. Your younger child will probably be thrilled to have some alone time with you.
Realize the feelings that the child left behind might be feeling - There are a ton of feelings your youngest might be feeling about the older siblings going off to school. Be prepared for them and it will make this transition for you and the younger child easier. Some of the feelings your youngest might be feeling are…
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Excitement
- Stress
- Worry
- Loneliness
And these are just some of the many, many feelings your child might be feeling. Make the transition easier by talking with your youngest child about their older siblings going off to school. Let them know whatever feelings they are having about it are understandable and that they can always come to you with whatever they are feeling and you will help get them through it.
Plan the Days out for your Little one - Children love structure and don’t like change. When older children go to school and leave the littlest one at home that is a change of structure for your little one. It is very scary. Adding structure back into their life will help your little one feel more secure and less stressed during this transition. They love to know what they could expect next. So, plan away….. and include your youngest one in the planning process. It will get them more excited about the time to come.
Start a School for your Child at Home - Your child might feel left out when the older children go back to school. Why not start them in a school of their own as well. There are Preschool Curriculums out their that are perfect for teaching your young Preschooler at home. Just make sure to choose the right Preschool Curriculum for your Child. And, don’t forget to name the School. Giving your at home school a name will make it more official and special for your little one.

Yes, this time can be very stressful and sad for your little one, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little planning and preparing it can be a happy and exciting transition for your little one.

Top image by Pink Sherbet