Parents Navigating a New School Year

The summer season is winding down which means ‘back to school” is just around the corner. The start of the new school year can be stressful on kids and unfortunately parents often take the brunt of their children’s emotional angst. Here are some tips to help you and your kids get through this potentially difficult time.

First, try to keep in perspective what your kids are experiencing at the beginning of a new school year. Imagine what it is like for you to start a new job, with a new boss with a new work load that is significantly greater in quantity, intensity and difficulty (With no rai$e). Add to this, the need to adapt to increased social and peer pressure. And don’t forget having to manage all this your while your entire physiology is continuously changing and developing (especially for teens and pre-teens). Keeping this in mind can help you to be more patient and understanding.

Other tips include:

• Demonstrate genuine interest in your child’s personal and academic life.
• Spend time daily listening and talking about what your kids are experiencing in their lives.
• Nurture self esteem and confidence by encouraging and praising effort. Also help your kids set and work towards goals that match their skills and interests.
• Learn to provide appropriate guidance and discipline. Remember that children of all ages need parental support in establishing healthy and appropriate structure and balance. Be firm, kind and realistic about expectations. Also remember your job as parent is to “guide not control”.
• Encourage your kids to participate in physical activity on a daily basis.

Expect some kids to be more resistant or to act out more than others. However, patience, understanding, and persistence on your part can go a long way to providing the support and caring your child will need to adapt and excel at any grade level. If problems persist do not hesitate to utilize professional support. PTC