Back To School Ideas

Aug 12, 2009 Author: admin | Filed under: Education

Going from long, sunny summer days back to the classroom can be an emotional time for your child. It’s normal for her to experience mixed feelings about returning to school. In fact, school tops the list of worries for kids ages 7 to 12.

Try to bridge the gap between summer activities and the new school year. If your child reads a lot, start to praise her for that and remind her that it is really going to help you with her assignments when she is back at school. If she spent the summer swimming you can remind her that her new strength will help with her after-school sports.

Every child responds to going back to school differently, but you can take steps to address their worries and make the transition smoother.

Perhaps one of these issues is causing worries for your child?

Life Changes
Starting at a new school can present an especially daunting challenge. Similarly, if your child has recently experienced any upheavals at home, like moving or divorce, she may be especially susceptible to feeling more than usually stressed about returning to school.

If this is the case for your child just watch them extra carefully and always be ready to listen.

Academic Challenges
A new school year brings new challenges. Perhaps your child will be expected to do homework for the first time, or perhaps more important exams are looming. With fears of not measuring up academically, help your child to get organized and into a routine, since this can go a long way to making a child feel competent.

Unknown Teacher Rumors of a new or tough teacher may make your child fear or dislike a new teacher. Do help your child keep in mind that one person’s dreaded teacher can be another kid’s favorite. While it’s okay for your child to express her dislike of a teacher, she should be expected to remain respectful. You can encourage her to be open-minded and approach this as an opportunity to help her learn how to deal with a person she finds difficult. Listen to her issues and plan to attend the parent teacher sessions to get your own opinion on the situation.

Social Worries
A new class can mean adjusting without friends who have provided the main social group in previous years. Try to present this as an opportunity for your child to widen his group of friends, rather than having lost familiar friends. If you know any of the kids who will be in the new class invite them over before school starts. Establish time for him to catch up with old friends too.

A new school or classroom may spark concerns about finding friends at all. An outside class or hobby such as ballet or a sport can provide a conversation starter and the opportunity to meet kids outside your child’s usual circle.

Getting Help
If your child’s anxiety impinges on his day-to-day life ask these 2 questions:-

How much of a change is this behavior from the norm?
How long has this changed behavior been going on?

Most back-to-school anxiety is anticipatory. If the level and type of anxiety seems a marked departure from your child’s usual behavior and lasts well past the beginning of the school year, consider seeking outside help. Start by talking with his teacher.

Be Supportive
It is normal for every child to react to going back to school in her own way. This can make it tempting to apply your own experience to your child’s life. Although harkening back can provide insight, don’t forget that your child is not you. Be calm and matter of fact. Listen and provide reassurance, but try not to heighten anxiety.

You know your child better than anyone – monitor the situation, and keep things in perspective.

For the vast majority of children the back to school fears will be fleeting.