For me, the beginning of the year is when the school year starts. I continue to view this time of year with my “mom” glasses on and I think of September as the start of the year. The transitions and changes are numerous and, for some, can cause stress and anxiety. I think the biggest transition is “Back to School.” Starting a new school year on a positive note can greatly influence confidence and performance both socially and academically. By now, your child has been in school for about a month and I suspect that bedtime and mealtime routines have been re-established. One helpful routine is to give your child plenty of time in the morning. Starting the day feeling rushed can produce anxiety. The lazy days of summer are gone….now homework and afterschool activities take precedence. If your child is anxious about school, you may want to send positive, personal notes in their lunch box or book bags. Children absorb their parents’ anxiety, so model optimism and confidence for your child. Let your child know that it is natural to be anxious when they start something new. Although change can make one feel unsure, it can also bring about new, exciting, and positive experiences. Do your best to not overreact to your child’s school anxieties. Remain calm and positive. Reinforce your child’s ability to cope by giving them strategies to handle difficult situations on their own. Identify key school personnel that they can go to if they feel unsure and maintain a positive/open dialogue with the school. Should anxiety continue, consult with school personnel, your pediatrician, or obtain a consult with a licensed clinician to further evaluate the situation. As parents, we can feel the pressure to get our kids involved in extracurricular activities. Specifically, we don’t want them to be “left out” or “behind” in a specific sport or activity. Your child will benefit most from one or two activities that are both fun and promote social development. Too much scheduled time can be stressful for the entire family and can make homework a challenge. If your child does not want to engage in structured activities, explore drop-in type programs at the library or community center that do not require a weekly commitment, yet continue to build interest and promote social skills. To promote a healthy emotional environment, be sure to practice parenting skills consistent with your child’s developmental stage. Remember to set clear expectations, boundaries, and structure and be sure to exhibit consistency. As you continue in the Back to School transition, I hope you find this information helpful and keep it in mind as you address issues with your children. I wish you a wonderful year!
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