Back To School-Elementary

Q: My two children will be starting second and fifth grade this year. We are looking forward to the new school year, but my fifth grader is starting to have stomach aches, and I think it could be the stress of getting back to the school routine. How can I help my children adjust to back-to-school and start a successful school year?

A: Back to school time can cause stress levels to increase among school aged children, resulting in erratic eating habits, nervousness, depression, and anger. Here are some tips for coping with and/or avoiding stress:

• Be enthusiastic about the school year If parents are excited and confident about school, children will be, too.
• Schedule time to meet your child's new teachers if you have not already done this. Attend open house. Schedule one-on-one time with the teacher so that you both discuss your expectations for the new school year
• Create an area where homework will be done. Stock this place with extra pencils, erasers, colored pencils, rulers, glue sticks, stapler and any other supplies necessary to complete homework. Make sure this area is not near your television!
• Show your child that you are interested in their school day. Teach your child to succeed and enjoy himself or herself in the process. Fun is important to mental and emotional stability.
• Spend quality time with your child. Let your child pick an activity that you can do together.
• Compliment your child without comparing them to others. Show your child that his or her performance is what interests you.
• Listen, don't advise. There is a time to give advice, and and time to just listen
• Reward effort. Sometimes it's good to reward effort alone. Not everyone has the same ability. Performance is important but should not be the only basis for rewards.

Parents should try to remember how they felt at their child's age. Keeping your sense of humor and being able to laugh can makesituations easier to deal with.

Best wishes to you and your family as you start this new school year.

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