Psychologist Shares Tips for Parents as Kids Head Back to School

St. Francois County, Mo. (KFMO) - With Missouri students returning to classrooms this month, many children and parents, are feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Psychologist Jen Doty says one of the best ways to ease the transition is to reestablish a routine for bedtime and wake-up times before the first day of school.

Doty also encourages parents to get their kids excited about the return to class. This year, with a new Missouri state law banning smartphones in classrooms, she recommends gradually cutting back on screen time at home to help children adjust.

Doty says now is an ideal time for parents to discuss safe smartphone use and any concerns their children may have about technology.

She also mentions that it's important to listen to your child's anxieties.

For parents of older teens, she advises taking a step back when appropriate, allowing them more independence and space to grow, even in a world that can feel uncertain.