Summer vacation is coming to an end. How your child begins the new school year can affect both academic performance and social functioning. Here are some tips to help your child get off to a good start!
1. Listen to what your child has to say about returning to school. If you hear any fears expressed, reassure your child that you will be there to help. Because avoidance perpetuates fears, it is important to encourage your child to face their fears rather than avoid them.
2. Ask your child what s/he liked about last school year and see how those positives can be integrated into the new school year. Being hopeful about school improves motivation.
3. Discuss how your child will have a new teacher, a different set of things to learn, and perhaps new friends. This can be especially helpful for children who may have had a difficult last year.
4. Try to make the return to school something special. The trip to get school clothes or supplies should be a positive time rather than a “hassle” or a stressor. Use this time as an opportunity to get the child excited about school. Also, allowing him/her to have something beyond the required list of items, such as a favorite character on pencils, will also help to create some excited feelings.
5. At least a week before school starts, adjust bedtimes and wake up times to match the school schedule. Also, to decrease stress, plan extra time the morning of the first school day so no one is rushing out the door.
6. Most children can ease into the school year with a positive attitude. However, if your child exhibits more extreme reactions, has problems that last for an extended period, or you suspect a specific learning or psychological difficulty, seek professional help. Discuss these issues with your child’s teacher, the school guidance counselor, social worker, and/or school psychologist. It may also be helpful to consult with a clinical psychologist who is trained to help children overcome these problems.
For more ideas about how to help your child manage the transition back-to-school, link onto the article below published by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/home_school/b2shandout.aspx
or the article below published by Newswise Medical News
http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/554529
Other Helpful Resources include:
Parent Information Center:
www.parentinformationcenter.org
APA Help Center from the American Psychological Association:
www.apahelpcenter.org
