Back to SCHOOL!

It is back to school time, can you believe it? I know Mondays are usually set aside for a calender of events. But, I wanted to take the opportunity to give some helpful tips to help kids (and parents)adjust to what can be a stressful time of the year.

As children make the adjustment to new teachers, new faces, new schools, resuming school routine and HOMEWORK, the transition can be overwhelming to both the children and the parents. Here are some tips from NMHA:

• Express interest and excitement about the school year. Your child will pick up on your positivity.
• Visit your child's school with him or her including classrooms, lunch area, restrooms, and playgrounds. This will help your child feel familiar with his or her surroundings.
• Communicate with your child about his or her concerns about the upcoming school year. Listen to what they are worried about or have anxiety about. Let them know it is normal to have some of these feelings about the upcoming changes.
• Spend time every day listening to your child about his or her day. It is important to give your child positive feedback about his or her new experiences.
• Encourage your child to participate in activities and try new things.
• Be a part of your child's activities and school functions."Children whose parents are more involved with their education have higher achievement, are better adjusted and are less likely to drop out of school."
• Get to know your child. Learn how they develop not just physically, but emotionally and socially as well. Know how they typically behave or react to certain situations. This may help you identify when thing may not be just right.

As your child adjusts to back to school life over the next few weeks, let them know it is normal to feel anxious or stressed. These feeling typically last a few days or a couple weeks. If your child anxiety or stress seems to last longer it may be time to seek professional advise. Talk to your child's pediatrician, primary care doctor or mental health provider.

 

Stacy