Back to school!?! Why would we mention this when we’ve just NOW begun to enjoy a little summer fun?
Whether we want to think about it or not, which is a perfectly understandable reaction at this juncture, back to school will – or possibly won’t – be here before we know it. {Insert a BIG SIGH!} Back to school preparations are going to look and feel different this coming school year. It’s only a couple months away but the last few months have demonstrated that it’s too early yet to know what to expect two months from now. Hello, anxiety – clean up in aisle 4! However, we now know, it’s never too early to start preparing for whatever circumstances the fall may bring.
This spring taught parents, teachers, and children that we are capable of incredible feats and that we are resilient beyond measure.
Zier Institute helps families prepare for the return to school in the fall by making emotional wellbeing and teaching social-emotional learning skills a priority. @kwiens62 is a teacher we enjoy following on Twitter. Her illustrations, positive messages, and shares offer support for educators and homeschool parents alike. Below she illustrates the difference between self-regulation and self-control – a delineation that is particularly important for parents of tweens and teens. A growth mindset allows children to become their best selves.
Our therapists support families and children during their journey back to school after a prolonged absence from a physical classroom and time away from friends. A few of our current priorities include the emotional dysregulation, resocialization, and social vulnerabilities kids may experience as they return to school in the fall. That support continues through teletherapy, social groups, and clinic sessions for emotional, cognitive, and behavioral challenges that can arise if children are not able to return to school as they once knew it to be.
Feature image by: Kristin Wiens