By JR Padlan
Anxious feelings are normal and expected in children returning to school. This transition can be really stressful and disruptive. They might cling, cry, withdraw or become irritable or angry. So, to prevent your kids from having temper tantrums when school starts, here are a few more suggestions to cope with back-to-school anxiety:
Go shopping – Buy new school supplies with them. Let them choose their desired colors and covers of notebooks and bag. Wearing new uniforms and shoes is a good reason to be excited for school. This might boost their willingness to meet their new teachers and classmates.
New friends – Let your children know who are going to be their classmates. Socialize and establish a circle of friends on the day of enrolment. They are going to be really excited if they have a companion to talk, play and eat with on the first day of school.
Provide empathy – Listen to your children’s concerns. If you’re not seeing readiness on their faces, ask them to share their fears and talk about what’s on their minds. Take the opportunities to talk about it when you are in the car, walking, standing in line or even at bath-time or during dinner.
Pay attention to your own behavior – Saying goodbye cheerfully and kissing them before entering the classroom can ease the tension and perk them up. Be supportive. The more confidence and calm you are, the more your child will believe they can overcome this new hurdle.
Pack a happy lunch – Ask what your children want for lunch or ask them to help you prepare the food. Your children will appreciate the meal you prepared if you will add little touches like notes that say “Eat well sweetheart” or “Be confident”.
Consistency is needed when doing these things. Do them regularly and they surely help your child ease into the new school year.
