It's once again that time to prep for back-to-school. But during this time some might have jitters about starting a new school year, including kids, teens, and even parents.

Returning to middle, high school or even starting a new school, as a teen can be both exciting and challenging at the same time. It's during this time that social interactions with peers play such an important part of a teen's life.

Additionally, there is the pressure of preparing oneself to apply to college that is always looming in the back of a teen's mind.

To help families, I'm sharing a few tips from Josephine Atluri, host of the popular podcast Responding to Life, and the author of Mindfulness Journal for Parents: Prompts and Practices to Stay Calm, Present and Connected (Rockridge Press, July 13, 2021).

Mindfulness Journal Parents Book Trailer Josephine Atluri



Josephine's tips can help parents and teens manage their back-to-school anxieties, and provide some simple techniques she teachers her own school age kids.

3 Tips for Back-to-School Jitters for Teens (and Parents)

Create a safe space

Make it known to your teen that you are always there for them whenever they need to be a listening ear offering advice when needed if at all. Teens tend to come to you at times that are convenient for them but not necessarily for you.

So while they adopt the understanding that they can come to you as a safe space, as a parent, it would be beneficial to remember the concept of dropping everything to listen. This tactic reinforces the idea that your teens' feelings and needs are valued and supported in your household.

Mindset shifts

Help your teen remember how amazing they are before school starts. Just like you would gather school supplies for your little children, gather words of affirmation, positivity, encouragement for your teen to keep at the ready for whenever they start to doubt themselves or fall prey to the harshness of other teens.

Model calming techniques

Your teens can these techniques at their discretion to navigate stressful situations at school. For example, breathing techniques like the square breath (4 seconds inhale, 4 seconds hold, 4 seconds exhale, 4 seconds hold, repeat) or an extended exhale (inhale 4 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds).

Another technique to model is positive self-talk or taking time outs when you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or anxious.

Hopefully these tips help your teen feel supported, calm, and confident as they begin another school year.

Learn more, visit - www.jatluri.com/mindfulness-parents-book