The End of the School Year: Making Meaningful Goodbyes

The end of the school year could be filled with many different emotions for students and parents alike. It marks the completion of another school year full of growth, successes, and overcoming obstacles. Many may have already grown attached to their routine, classmates and teachers, while others may be eager to move on happily looking forward to the future. In either case, it can be beneficial to intentionally plan on supporting your child so they can get the opportunity to experience a meaningful goodbye.

The end of the school year could be a period of heightened anxiety or sadness for many students as they are reminded of all that will change in the next few months. For some it may be prom or graduation season, while for others a casual celebration of their hard work. As a parent, you may also find yourselves mirroring their same emotions. One of the best ways to process what you feel is to express it. So, below are a few ways to support your child through this upcoming transition:

Celebrate their successes. Every student has their own struggles during the school year. Do not be afraid to share how proud you are of your child and their growth through the year-yes, even if they are usually high-achieving students anyway. Talk about what went well and what could be improved for the following year.

Talk about the future positively. It is so common for parents to say the infamous words, “School’s only going to get harder from here” or “Just wait until you get to [insert grade here].” While the intentions behind the phrases are good and as a parent you simply want to give your child a heads up, it could really cause them a lot of anxiety and fear that can stick with them for a very long time.

Use the Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skill, GIVE, to be a good listener.

Be Gentle: Do not criticize or mock your child for what they express abut the school year.

Act Interested: Be present in the moment, put your phone down or stop doing the dishes. Give them your undivided attention.

Validate: Prove to them that you are listening by saying phrases like, “It sounds like…” or “What I hear you saying is…”

Be Easy Mannered: Be light during the conversation, smile and pleasantly interacting as you discuss reflections about the school year.

Just like every child is different. The way your child handles the way they feel about transitioning out of school could look different for each child. As you start discussing this topic in your home observe the way your child is processing the transition. Do they voice they are sad about leaving their teacher? Are they excited for the next grade? These simple strategies can be the catalyst for many more meaningful conversations that could lead to a stronger connection with your child and better preparation for the school year to come.