Four Tips For Alleviating Back To School Anxiety

Back to school preparations are in full-swing. Soon, the first bell of the year will ring and the sounds of summer will be replaced by the voices of school-aged children bemoaning the end of their summer and trying to sort out their new school routines: What building am I in? Who's my teacher this year? Do I really have to take calculus?

For most children, going back to school signifies a move from the lazy, hazy days of summer to a regimented school routine and poses unique challenges that must be overcome. "It's a school night" becomes part of the parental lexicon for the next ten months and children typically resist the concept. At issue for children and parents alike: change.

Let's take a peek at Zach:

Zach is 7 yrs old and will be starting the second grade at El Rodeo in a few short weeks. He was a star in the first grade, knowing most of the answers and always assisting Ms. Daisy in classroom activities. He even sang a solo in the spring concert!

Understanding that change can often lead to feelings of anxiety, the faculty at El Rodeo began preparing Zach and his classmates for their transition to Grade 2 in April of their Grade 1 school year. Ms. Davis had a special talk with her class after story time. Zach and his classmates were told about how big they have become and how proud she was of everyone's progress. Ms. Davis spoke about next year and their new classroom across the hallway. She even invited Ms. Eva, the second grade teacher, to the class to introduce her to the children.

Zach and his classmates soon began regular visits to their new classroom. On Fridays, they joined Ms. Eva's class for story time and got used to their new surroundings. Despite all the mindful planning for this transition by his teachers, as the start of the new school year approached, Zach began to have difficulty.

He became increasingly irritable at home, and also began to wake during the night. When he started to lose his acquired toilet training abilities, Zach's parents reached out for support.

With constant communication by teachers and parents, and much love and support, Zach was able to adjust to the change in his school routine and now looks forward to starting school. He spent the last week of school happily sharing his excitement about the beginning of a new school year.

Here are four tips to help alleviate your child's back-to-school anxiety:

1) Know: Your child and how they handle transition

2) Communicate: Let your child know that you are aware of their anxiety and that you are here to help see them through their difficulty

3) Support: Your child in ways to build upon their strengths and talents

4) Reach out: To teachers and other professionals for assistance should your child continue to experience difficulties

Transitions are never easy, especially for a child who may feel that their world is out of their control. Assist your child to regain that control in a strength-based supportive way and share in their excitement as they head back to school.

Dr. Charles Sophy currently serves as Medical Director for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), which is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of nearly 40,000 foster children. He also has a private psychiatry practice in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Sophy has lectured extensively and is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California Los Angeles Neuro-Psychiatric Institute. His lectures and teachings are consistently ranked as among the best by those in attendance.

Dr. Charles Sophy, author of the "Keep 'Em Off My Couch" blog, provides real simple answers for solving life's biggest problems. He specializes in improving the mental health of children. To contact Dr. Sophy, visit his blog at http://drsophy.com

---

Old-Fashioned Ways to Inspire Children

"Walk through any toy store and you will see walls... Read More

What Values Are We Giving Our Children?

On a bright Sunday morning, a couple of weeks ago,... Read More

Car Wash Fundraiser Preparation

Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More

Scolding: One of Communications Tools of Last Resort

(Excerpted from Jim Rohn's 2004 Weekend Leadership Event)You have to... Read More

Children Who Talk to Angels

What do you do when your child begins talking to... Read More

When Parents Disagree

Moms and dads, are there times you think that parenting... Read More

Swing Sets and Outdoor Play Equipment- 5 Essential Tips Before You Buy

For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More

The Top 10 Tips for Communicating with Children

Most people have more training before they receive their driver's... Read More

Where Will YOUR Kids Get A Job?

Let's face it.The job market is getting tougher every day.Computerization... Read More

What To Do When You Think Your Child Might Have AD/HD

AD/HD (attention deficit disorder) is one of the most common... Read More

How Many Sex Offenders Live On Your Block?

For any parent, learning that a convicted sex offender lives... Read More

Develop Your Childs Genius: The King of Games - the Game of Kings

Many people still think that the game of chess is... Read More

Nothing Like a Mothers Love

Travel is a common theme in my life -- probably... Read More

True Romance for Couples with Kids: 10 Inexpensive Ideas

Anyone can splurge on a formal dinner or a pricey... Read More

First Year With Twins - A Father?s Point Of View

People always ask my wife and I: "How did you... Read More

What Do Chinese Water Torture and Arguing with Children Have in Common?

Imagine yourself lying flat on your back, totally strapped down... Read More

Building Teen Character: Part-Time Employment

The teenage years are a crucial time in a child's... Read More

What Are Reasonable Expectations of a Child?

To have reasonable expectations of our children is an important... Read More

Calming Tips for Hyperactive Children

Parents of hyperactive children know the "Would you please just... Read More

MORAL ARMORS Irrational Parenting, Part II

Handing Down Malignancy.Children may begin bright and eager to face... Read More

How Often Does Child Sexual Abuse Get Reported?

Not nearly as often as it should. Most child abuse... Read More

Some Thoughts on Counseling Goals for ADHD

What should the goals for counseling be when the patient... Read More

Public-School True Believers with a Mission

One reason public schools get away with educational failure, year... Read More

Best Tips for Stress Free Child Party Games

When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit... Read More

Discipline on My Mind

I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More

What To Do With A 6 Year Old Smart Mouth Know It All

Just the other day, I was talking to some other... Read More

Helping Your Children Develop Their Self-Discipline

We want our children to do the right thing, especially... Read More

One Definition of Success

As parents, we want our children and teens to grow... Read More

The Value of Play

Isn't it ironic that a country whose constitution allows for... Read More

Top Three Reasons To Get Involved At Your Childs School

You may think once your child has gone off to... Read More

How Useful Are Bed Wetting Alarms

Whenever parents discuss how to deal with bed wetting, the... Read More

Eco-Parenting

Arabella Greatorex, owner of The Natural Nursery, reports on the... Read More

Patterns For Plus Size Children

Plus size children and overweight children need patterns and clothing... Read More