School is around the corner
School begins in just a few weeks (or next week for some). In any case, it is coming up quickly. Almost all kids have at least a bit of nervousness before the big day. The worriers I see can put on a good show, but when it gets down to it, they start to worry a lot about being liked, about doing okay, about having friends, fitting in, being able to do the work, having the “right” clothes, being away from parents. School is stressful for kids – kind of like the first day in a new job for adults. So help them out – get them to verbalize some of their worries and talk through it – with the final message being that, at the end of the day, they are going to be okay – no matter what happens. Give your kids an extra boost by getting them their favorite lunch to take for the first week of school, along with the school supplies etc. If you’ve got young ones, write a note as well.
Some parents dread the return of school as the return of school problems – teachers notes and calls, visits to the principle’s office, etc. Before school starts this year, talk about some of the struggles that happened last year and what you’d like to see happen this year. Problem solve with your child about how things can go more smoothly this year. I’m not saying it’s a magic wand, but I am saying that you don’t have to believe that what happened last year will continue this year. The right combination between child and teacher can make all the difference; as well as a little growth, maturity, and development can all go a long way. Likewise, if things don’t seem to be starting out on a good foot it might be a good time to get some outside help from a therapist, tutor, or parent educator, depending on the struggle.
Published by Robyn Howisey on August 27th, 2009 Tagged Community, Parenting, School/Education