Strategies and Support for the Back-to-School Transition

Dear Spark Community,

As the back-to-school season begins, we know this transition can bring excitement with new opportunities and added stress while adjusting to shifting routines and expectations. You are not alone in navigating this journey, and we want you to know that Spark Kindness is here to walk alongside you—not just now, but throughout the year.

In this post, we’ve gathered supportive resources to help strengthen resilience, ease stress and the back-to-school jitters, and foster connection in and outside of school. We also invite you to join us for our Resilient Community Series—free events where we can learn, share, and grow as a community. Please view upcoming event details here. 

With care ~ The Spark Kindness Team

Resources for Back-to-School Transition

(Available in Portuguese: Presentation (here) and Coping Skills Resource (here). Aqui está o powerpoint em portugues, Aqui está o Técnicas de Enfrentamento em português)

Recommended Resource Hubs:

• Practical checklists for creating daily routines, tips on coping with back-to-school jitters, fun after-school activity ideas, easy snack recipes and more from PBS Kids for Parents: Back to School.
• Advice on handling school avoidance and coping with anxiety, resetting expectations for kids with learning challenges, and more from the Child Mind Institute.

Helpful Books & Articles:

• Supporting Your Child's Transition to Middle School
• 25 Ways to Ask Your Kids 'So How Was School Today?' Without Asking Them 'So How Was School Today?'
• Middle School Matters: 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond – and How Parents Can Help by Phyllis Fagell
• Why Will No One Play with Me?: The Play Better Plan to Help Children of All Ages Make Friends and Thrive by Caroline Maguire
• The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: Raising Connected, Capable, and Compassionate Adolescents by Dr. Lisa Damour

Resilient Backpack: Highs & Lows

One simple way to build resilience and connection during the school year is by creating a family ritual of sharing highs and lows each day. Try it at dinner, during bedtime routines, or even in the car on the way to activities.

A “low” might be something that felt hard, disappointing, or frustrating. Sharing these moments helps kids learn that it’s normal to have challenges and that they don’t have to carry them alone. If your child isn’t ready to share, that’s okay—lows are always optional. What matters most is that the conversation ends with a “high” so the day is wrapped up on a positive note.

You can also add fun twists: include a “random” (something silly or surprising that happened) or an “excited” (what they’re looking forward to tomorrow). And instead of calling this "Highs & Lows", you could try something else that feels right for your family like "Roses & Thorns", "Best & Worst", or "Sweet & Sour". Over time, this simple ritual helps kids process their day, feel connected, name and accept emotions, and build optimism.

Related Topics:

• Resource Guide: Neurodiversity and Special Education
• Resource Guide: Healthy Relationships and Connection
• Resource Guide: Building Resilience