This article, written by Phebe Powell, Executive Director of\u00a0Brevard C.A.R.E.S., will provide\u00a0helpful advice on helping your child cope with back to school stressors.<\/p>\n
Heading back to school is exciting for some and overwhelming for others. Family stress can mount up with thoughts of school supplies, getting the \u2018right\u2019 clothes, avoiding unhealthy snacks and planning around hectic work and school schedules. Many families may also be worried about their children starting a new school, changing school districts, facing a more rigorous academic year or dealing with difficult social situations. Often the fear of the unknown \u2014 classmates, teachers, the school building \u2014 is the most stressful for family members, whether it\u2019s the children hopping on the school bus or their parents who have to wave goodbye.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, children are extremely capable of coping with change and parents can help them in the process by providing a setting that fosters resilience and encourages them to share and express their feelings about returning to school.<\/p>\n
American Psychological Association offers the following back-to-school tips:<\/strong><\/p>\n Practice the first day of school routine<\/strong>: Getting into a sleep routine before the first week of school will aide in easing the shock of waking up early. Organizing things at home \u2014 backpack, binder, lunchbox or cafeteria money \u2014 will help make the first morning go smoothly. Having healthy, yet kid-friendly lunches will help keep them energized throughout the day. Also, walking through the building and visiting your child\u2019s locker and classroom will help ease anxiety of the unknown.<\/p>\n Get to know your neighbors<\/strong>: If your child is starting a new school, walk around your block and get to know the neighborhood children. Try and set up a play date, or, for an older child, find out where neighborhood kids might go to safely hang out, like the community pool, recreation center or park.<\/p>\n Talk to your child<\/strong>: Asking your children about their fears or worries about going back to school will help them share their burden. Inquire as to what they liked about their previous school or grade and see how those positives can be incorporated into their new experience.<\/p>\n Empathize with your children:<\/strong> Change can be difficult, but also exciting. Let your children know that you are aware of what they\u2019re going through and that you will be there to help them in the process. Nerves are normal, but highlight that not everything that is different is necessarily bad. It is important to encourage your children to face their fears instead of falling in to the trap of encouraging avoidance.<\/p>\n Get involved and ask for help<\/strong>: Knowledge of the school and the community will better equip you to understand your child\u2019s surroundings and the transition he or she is undergoing. Meeting members of your community and school will foster support for both you and your child. If you feel the stress of the school year is too much for you and your child to handle on your own, seeking expert advice from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, will help you better manage and cope.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This article, written by Phebe Powell, Executive Director of\u00a0Brevard C.A.R.E.S., […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6607","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news-and-articles","wpautop"],"yoast_head":"\n