It’s that back-to-school time of year with lots of change for kids, parents and families. Kids are headed to new classrooms, new teachers and new schools. Schedules are changing along with the weather. Where I live the seasonal changes of increased rain, cooler temps and shorter days are preparing us for winter and the activity and sleep changes that come with a new season. As summer comes to a close I’m both looking forward to fall and winter activities (football, chili dinners, and a warm, bright fire in the evenings) while also feeling a little sad about the freedom of our summer schedule ending and many of the outdoor, summer activities coming to a close.
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As your child heads back to school imagine the world from his or her perspective, considering how school, teachers and life appear from your child’s point of view. Drop your own view and really place yourself in your child’s shoes, even considering what you look like as a parent from their vantage point. Taking a few moments to do this daily, weekly or whenever you’re reminded to can lead to conscious decisions about how to parent and guide children as they learn and adapt to change.
Trying to see the world through the eyes of our child gives us another perspective, gets us out of being stuck in our own, and allows us to think consciously about our actions and reactions and make different choices. It also helps us to better understand our children and understanding paves the way for compassion. If we allow ourselves to be guided by compassion our children will feel nurtured, supported and understood. Problems will still be present but we’re all more fully able to bring our skills to the problems before us when we feel understood, heard and supported.
As my son heads off to middle school I hope to help him confidently maneuver the new challenges he’ll face, remind him not to take anything too seriously (I’m picturing him not being able to get that locker open and to class on time and I hope he can manage that situation with presence and calmness), encourage him to ask for help when needed, and to live and enjoy life as it happens.
I’m also remembering to regularly take a peek at and consider what the world looks like, and what I look like through his eyes as I support him through the back to school transition.