Edward DP Situmorang
JAKARTA – As the 2026 academic year approaches, many students and parents nationwide face potential anxiety about the transition from a long holiday to the school routine. To mitigate this, leading child psychologists offer crucial strategic guidance to ensure a smooth, low-stress return to school.
This transition often presents emotional and adaptive challenges. For some children, the prospect of leaving holiday freedom and returning to a strict schedule, academic demands, and intense social interactions can trigger significant worries. This condition is normal but requires proper handling to prevent negative long-term impacts.
A prominent child psychologist, in a statement, emphasized the importance of early preparation. She suggested that parents should not wait until the last night to begin adjustments. Gradual preparation is key to helping children acclimatize mentally and physically to the upcoming changes.
One fundamental step is to revert sleep and eating patterns to a school schedule. During holidays, children's biological rhythms tend to shift. Gradually shifting bedtime earlier and waking up earlier, as well as re-establishing regular meal times, will greatly help a child's body adapt before the first day of school.
Furthermore, re-establishing connection with the school environment is highly recommended. This could involve a brief visit to the school to see the new classroom or meet teachers, or even just chatting with school friends. Such activities can reduce feelings of unfamiliarity and foster enthusiasm.
Open communication between parents and children plays a vital role. Parents must create a safe space for children to express their feelings, both joy and concern. Listening empathetically and validating a child's feelings will build trust and reduce their emotional burden.
The psychologist also advises setting realistic expectations. Not all children will adapt perfectly on the first day. There may be difficult days or initial challenges. Parents need to be patient and provide continuous support, without placing excessive pressure to perform perfectly.
It is also important for parents to recognize signs of more serious anxiety. If a child exhibits symptoms such as drastic changes in appetite or sleep, unexplainable physical complaints, withdrawal from usually enjoyed activities, or panic attacks, seeking professional help from a child psychologist is a wise step.
The school environment also has a responsibility to create a supportive atmosphere. Friendly orientation programs, a teacher approach that understands transition dynamics, and counseling support can serve as effective buffers for students in facing the initial weeks of the 2026 academic year.
By implementing these strategies, it is hoped that students can start the 2026 academic year with a positive spirit and minimal stress. Parental awareness and active involvement, combined with school support, are crucial foundations for a child's successful adaptation in the educational world.
Editorial Insight: This proactive approach to back-to-school anxiety demonstrates a mature understanding of children's mental health. Amidst the increasingly complex social and technological dynamics in 2026, the role of psychologists and families in guiding children through this transition becomes ever more essential. Successful early adaptation will form a strong foundation for students' academic performance and emotional well-being throughout the school year.
