Ways To Handle End of School Year Stress

Believe it or not the end of the school year is quickly approaching. As parents we may want to sit back, take a deep breath, and say “Yay, we’ve made it through!” However, some of the most stressful days may still lie ahead. The end of the school year brings tests, finals, and summer vacation planning. If you have a graduating high school senior such things as prom, graduation, and planning for freshman year at college can be stressful as well. Let’s take a closer look at some of these stressors and focus on ways to make them less stressful.

Tests and finals can be stressful for both students and parents. Generally students know the dates for these exams well in advance. Setting both long term goals and short term goals for studying will help with time management. Preparation and planning ahead is important. When studying can be done in advance instead of cramming at the last minute, students can study in shorter sessions allowing for better retention of material.  When studying is planned ahead both students and parents can be calmer and less anxious because there is more time to prepare. 

Summer vacation can be stressful for parents as well. If both parents work it can be especially stressful trying to make plans for kids to occupy their time off from school. Summer camp, daycare, or babysitters may be necessary for younger children. Older children may be able to find some volunteer opportunities or summer jobs where they will be able to spend their time and perhaps earn some spending money. When parents know their children are safe and busy they will certainly be less anxious trying to make plans for them on a daily basis. 

If you are the parent of a graduating high school senior this can be a very happy but stressful time as well. Graduation usually involves inviting family members, planning parties, giving gifts, and making prom plans. Once again preparing ahead of time will help to ease anxiety. Keeping written lists, making arrangements with family and friends, shopping for outfits, arranging transportation can all be done in advance. With early preparation the actual days of graduation and prom will be days of celebration and enjoyment. 

All transitions from one grade level of school to the next can be exciting yet stressful. Planning for freshman year at college after high school graduation can be an especially exciting time but an anxious time as well for both students and parents. For some students it can be the first time away from home which brings stress along with separation anxiety. For parents this can mean feeling anxious over a child’s first time living independently away from home. Again, preparing ahead, planning, communicating about any fears or anxieties between parents and children will help to ease the stress. Open lines of communication such as phone calls, facetime, emails, texts, and scheduled visits can alleviate anxiety for both parents and students.