5 Tips to Ease Back to School Anxiety

Do your children go back to school happily, excited for whatever comes their way? Do they go back less excited, but not complaining? How about those who don't want to go at all and loudly - or quietly - protest? As with just about anything, kids face things differently. And going back to school can be stressful for them (and for you). Here are some things that will ease the transition for those who are anxious or afraid:

1. Don't make a big deal about going back to school, but don't spring it on him at the last minute either! Let him know it's coming up by casually mentioning it, or if he already knows and keeps bringing the subject up, talk about it casually. Keep telling yourself "It's no big deal" even if he sounds a bit nervous.
   
2. Involve him in preparations (what to buy, what to wear, what to bring for lunch if that's applicable) and give him as much control in all of this as possible.
3. Help him see beyond the dreaded first day or first week in school with the promise of something he enjoys - a "first day" or "first week" party with a few of their friends; extra time with you his parent or parents; a trip to the zoo; an ice cream. You get the idea. Something simple but enjoyable.
4. Observe your own attitude and if you tend to show anxiety, keep it to a minimum so you're not adding to his anxiety.
5. Make sure all of you have plenty of extra time in the morning to get ready. The change in routine alone can cause anxiety in some kids, and extra time helps to make the change. Rushing around at the last minute in a frantic attempt to get to school - or the bus - on time makes it more stressful.

When you've helped get your child to school in the least stressful way - enjoy some time to yourself!

Best Parenting Tool is Stable Relationship

The best parenting tool just might be a stable relationship between parents - and although that might sound odd, it's really not.

Think about it from a child's point of view. Think how he might feel:

• When his parents are constantly bickering, when they upset one another, when one storms out the door in anger.
• When parents who drain one another are sad and lonely.
• When one parent tells one thing, and the other parent tells him the opposite.
• If one of them leaves permanently. If he's never had two parents living together with him, he won't miss it if one leaves, but if he's used to two - even if the relationship is rocky - he will definitely feel the loss, but probably not be able to understand it.
• When fights and arguments happen but get resolved so he can see conflict come full circle.
• When there is laughter and fun between parents and within the whole family.
• When messages from one parent pretty much agree with messages from the other parent.

That's just the tip of the iceberg, but you can see how much a child can be influenced by the mood and tone of his parents' relationship. We can't be happy and stable all the time, but it's worth giving some thought to the impact we all have on our kids.

Today's Working Mom's Dilemma

The old dilemma moms used to face when considering a return to the workplace was will it be OK for my child if he/she is in daycare instead of being raised full time by a parent? Many articles, books and research papers have been written on the topic over time, and I think that question has been answered for many parents. Even though there is support for both yes and no to the question, there is enough information out there for today's parents to find evidence and support for - and therefore comfort with - either choice.



Today's dilemma is if I work I won't fit into the non-working mom's world, but if I stay at home I won't fit into the working mom's world. Either position leaves mom feeling deprived and/or misunderstood. Where does/will she fit in? What if all her friends are in the "other" group? Will she lose them? Will she make new friends with the choice she makes?



How do working moms or stay-at-home moms settle that dilemma? I'd love to hear your answers and get a discussion going on the blog.

Video 1: Whining and Interrupting

Put an end to your child's annoying behaviors - stop the whining and interrupting forever! This brief video will explain how you can take control as a parent, with an easy-to-follow 3-step technique.


KidsAndKaos.com

Video 2: Sibling Rivalry

Do your kids fight constantly? Does their bickering and tattling drive you crazy? Well, you're not alone.

By learning how to follow the simple 3-step technique in this video, you will restore a sense of peace and calm to your home!



KidsAndKaos.com

Video 3: Temper Tantrums

Nearly all young children have temper tantrums at one time or another, but how can you help them calm down?

Follow the 3 simple steps outlined in this video and you will have a useful tool in your parenting toolbox!



KidsAndKaos.com

Video 4: Time Out

Do you get frustrated that you can't get your child to stop losing it?

Are your efforts at calming him down effective?

If not, would you like to learn about a Time Out that works?
Every time?

Well, here is the answer - this video describes a version of
Time Out that works because it is so simple.

Try it and see for yourself!



KidsAndKaos.com