Backpacks are brimming with supplies and new outfits hang in the closet ready for the first day of school. Children across the Southern Tier are looking forward to the start of the school year next week, as are many parents. The return of school is an exciting time. However, in that excitement there can be anxiety. Children are facing new classes, teachers, friends and sometimes entirely new schools. Have you talked with your child about the beginning of the school year? What are their thoughts about the first day? Their answers might surprise you.
If your child expresses some anxiety try some of the following steps to calm their fears about the return to school:
* Listen to them, sometimes listening to your child and assuring them that their anxiety is natural and normal is the best thing you can do.
* Call the school and arrange a tour before school starts. A before school open house is common for kindergarteners, but isn’t always available for older students. If you call the school, there might be a time you and your child can stop by and see the classroom before school begins.
* Share a story with your child about your days in school. Remember that “mean” teacher that turned out to be your favorite, or what about the friends you met and the games you played. Kids love to hear stories about their parents and grandparents childhoods.
* Make a special craft for the first day. Having a customized folder or pencil box can be a nice reminder of home on the first day of school. Check out this new back to school family fun activity.
* Leave a lunch note. Slip a note into their lunch box on the first day of school letting you know you’re proud of them. For older students, try something small, like a smiley face or a heart on their sandwich bag. They will know it’s there, but their friends won’t.
Back to school is an exciting time for families, by taking some time and listening to your child you can insure their return to school is as smooth as possible.
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