The Transition Back to School

Heading back to school is always a tricky transition for kids. Many of them have to deal with new friends, teachers and social dynamics as they re-enter the education system. It’s normal for your child to feel some anxiety about heading back to school. Based on your child’s Sun sign qualities, here are some tips to help you support their transition.

If your child is an Aries, Cancer, Libra or Capricorn, they are a Cardinal sign, which means they like to initiate change. Paint the back-to-school experience as an adventure full for new possibilities and your child will start to get excited about heading back. Mid- to late-August is a particularly intense time for your cardinal child, as powerful links between Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn show permanent changes occurring. Helping your child understand that moving onwards and upwards is a normal part of life makes it easier for them to navigate any changes they initially resist. You’ll see new maturity emerging in your child as the school year begins.

Stock up on new sportswear for your Aries child, revamp an old favorite toy or piece of school equipment for your Cancer child, update hair and beauty accessories for your Libra child (think baseball hats for boys) and discuss the new school schedule with your Capricorn child to help them get personally excited about what the new year holds.

If your child is a Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius, they are a Fixed sign and they are most resistant to change. Discuss any differences to their classroom, social dynamics and learning experiences in advance –- these kids don’t like to be caught by surprise. Wherever possible, explain why changes are occurring –- they’ll appreciate knowing the background to a situation. Influences from the Sun through August show they secretly want to impress, so help support them developing a sense of pride in the way they conduct themselves at school to get them motivated.

Discuss staying healthy with your Taurus child (and opt for nutritious rather than popular lunchbox treats), explain how to be a good leader to your Leo child, let your Scorpio child know its okay to want to spend time by themselves, and encourage your Aquarius child to take an interest in languages/other cultures to get them personally excited about the school year ahead.

If your child is a Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius or Pisces, they are a Mutable sign and they are the most laid back of all the modes. Generally your child is happy-go-lucky, and easily adapts to new situations. In fact, they often get bored with continuous routines. Plan to make changes to their school schedule regularly, say once a month, and they’ll maintain their interest throughout the year. A retrograde (moving backwards) Mercury influence from mid-August to mid-September means your mutable child could be a little disorganized with back-to-school essentials. Be patient about reminding them where things are. You may need to repeat important times, names and details more than once.

Consider including art/creative options in your Gemini child’s program, be patient as your perfectionist Virgo child tries to master new reading and writing skills, remind your Sagittarius child of the fun, social aspects of school-day lunchtimes and let your Pisces child know school can be the place for finding out answers to the mysteries on their mind to help them get personally excited about the year ahead.