By Susan Damico | August 19, 2025
The end of any season brings a sense of transition, but for children and adults alike, the close of summer can feel especially bittersweet. Summer often means vacations, school breaks, and a slower, more carefree pace of life. Even for children in year-round programs, summer still tends to bring subtle shifts — more outdoor play, special activities, or different daily routines.
So, when August turns to September, many children experience more than just a change in schedule. They’re navigating a transition that can stir up big feelings, like excitement, nervousness, or even a little sadness. No matter a child’s specific circumstances, one thing is true: learning how to handle these moments of change builds resilience. When children know how to use their protective factors, they gain tools they can use for a lifetime to handle new challenges with confidence.
The good news? It’s never too early to start. By intentionally fostering protective factors in young children, we help them feel more grounded during the back-to-school season and beyond. Consider these tips as you support those adorable faces coming into your classroom or caregiving space this fall.
Practice Empathy
The start of a school year can be a big deal emotionally, after all, it brings new teachers, classmates, and routines. For young children, these changes can stir up excitement, worry, or both. When children have “big feelings,” the first and most important thing we as adults can do is acknowledge and validate them. Instead of dismissing or minimizing their emotions, we can help them process these feelings in healthy ways.
Remember that a child’s ability to self-regulate is still developing. This means it’s our job to model and teach skills that help them manage big emotions calmly and constructively. Adults who respond with patience, kindness, and empathy aren’t just helping in the moment — they’re helping build the protective factor of self-regulation, which will benefit children for years to come.
Pack Your Smile (and a Silly Joke!)
Teachers and caregivers often have a long “to-do” list as school begins — lesson plans, organizing supplies, and preparing the classroom environment. But in the rush, it’s worth remembering that one of the most powerful tools in your toolkit is connection. Something as simple as a warm smile or a shared laugh can go a long way in helping children feel safe, welcomed, and at ease. In fact, research tells us that shared laughter strengthens relationships, and strong, healthy relationships are one of the most important protective factors at every stage of life. So, tuck a silly joke in your back pocket, find joy in small, shared moments, and let children see the genuine delight you feel in being with them.
Create “Busy Boxes” for Fun and Independence
Transitions work best for children when they’re interesting, interactive, and engaging. One way to make the back-to-school shift smoother, while also supporting social and emotional growth, is to introduce “Busy Boxes.” Busy Boxes are small, portable containers filled with simple, age-appropriate materials that spark curiosity and encourage independent play. They might hold puzzle pieces, art supplies, sensory items, or themed activities that match a child’s interests. You can use baskets, plastic bins, shoeboxes, or tote bags — just make sure they’re lightweight and easy for children to carry. By offering activities that children can enjoy on their own, you’re promoting independence, problem-solving, and creativity, all while making the transition period more fun. Click here (opens in new window) if you want to learn more about this idea!
Seasonal transitions are part of life, and while they can be challenging for children, they’re also an opportunity for growth. By practicing empathy, fostering joyful connections, and offering engaging activities, we’re doing more than easing the back-to-school jitters. We’re helping children develop protective factors that will serve them well in every future transition they face.
The end of summer may mark the close of a season, but with the right support, it can also mark the beginning of something wonderful.
