Back-To-School Series #2: The First 20 Days of School
- Katya Sussman-Dawson
- Aug 21
- 2 min read
What’s Typical, What to Watch, and When to Ask Questions
The beginning of a new school year brings new teachers, classmates, routines, expectations, and demands. Even children who are excited to return may need time to adjust. This blog post will help you recognize normal transition difficulties, notice meaningful patterns, and know when to begin asking questions.
The first 20 school days can provide valuable information about how your child responds to new routines, relationships, and expectations. Rather than focusing on one difficult day, looking across the first month can help you recognize patterns, notice areas of progress, and identify concerns that may need additional attention.
The 4 Phases of Back-to-School Adjustment
The first 20 school days offer an important window into how a child is adjusting to a new teacher, classroom, routine, and set of expectations. During the Initial Transition Phase, temporary changes in sleep, mood, separation, or physical complaints may occur as children adapt. The Early Adjustment Phase provides an opportunity to notice whether those difficulties are beginning to improve or persist. During the Pattern Clarification Phase, academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and peer concerns may become more consistent and easier to understand. Finally, the Adjustment Review Phase allows families to consider the overall pattern, its impact on daily functioning, and whether additional questions or support may be warranted. These phases are not rigid timelines or required waiting periods; rather, they provide a framework for looking beyond one difficult day and noticing what improves, repeats, intensifies, or interferes.
Different Concerns Become Visible at Different Times
Every child will have a different adjustment timeline. The type of concern and the demands placed on the child can directly influence the patterns that may surface and when those concerns may arise.
Concerns May Look Different Across Settings
A child’s behavior, emotions, and performance may differ between home and school. Comparing what each person observes can help clarify when concerns occur, what may be contributing to them, and which supports could help.
FREE Back-To-School Resource!
The First 20: A Parent’s Back-to-School Check-In Guide
Not sure what to watch for during the first month of school? Download The First 20: A Parent’s Back-to-School Check-In Guide to track concerns across the first four weeks, reflect on emerging patterns, and prepare helpful questions for your child’s teacher or school team.
One Final Thought
If you find yourself saying, "We've been dealing with the same struggles for years..." do not ignore those feelings anymore. Persistent patterns deserve curiosity, not blame.
Maybe it is time to ask the question, "What don't we understand yet?"
ABC St. Louis can help you find the answer to that question and open the door to support, strategies, and success! You are not alone, I am rooting for you and your child. Click below if you are ready to schedule a free 30-minute consultation.
Comments