Last August, I wrote about managing back-to-school anxiety. We've all noticed that Christmas ads start coming earlier and earlier to the point where it's just ridiculous. And so it is with back-to-school sales. It's early July and I'm getting calls about kids showing signs of anxiety as the school year approaches and this anxiety is being triggered by television ads for school supplies. Yes, many district have changed their schedules and school is starting a bit earlier, but surely, July?
The first step is to determine "what" these feelings are signaling. Is it excitement or anxiety? Both of these emotions "feel" the same to the body. It's up to the mind to "interpret" them and put a label on them. It's likely a combination of both if your kid is a competent student. But, if they have "stuff" left over from June, it's probably more of an "anxiety load" so, get a head start on resolving it by making a plan.
The next step is to think about your child's previous transitions into the new school year. Did they need a tour of the school to see where their class might be or learn where the bathrooms are? Did they have a pal to play with or have lunch with the first day of school or someone to walk into class with or did they have to "go it alone" while everyone else seemed to have a friend?
Start NOW in developing a relationship with a grade-peer, even it if is short-lived, that will take them through that first day of school. Don't get "heavy duty" about it, just a couple of times to "come around and play" or go to the movies, etc. should do the trick. Remember, it's just an introduction for now.
If your child has learning issues and special education needs, find out as soon as you can when the services will start and who is responsible for implementing them. Develop a Fast Fact sheet which shows the new teacher your child's strengths and weaknesses and use a bullet-point format. No one is going to read a 3-page narrative! Take a "user friendly" tone to let the teacher know you are willing to work together as a team and you're not making demands. Get an extra set of books and develop a "go to" plan when you aren't sure about assignments. Many teachers allow you to e-mail them about issues especially if you prove NOT to be a pain.
During the week before school starts, WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE! Don't tell your student that he'll be "fine". "Fine" means that "everything is just wonderful", but they may not feel wonderful. Consider this: "Jeff, I'm confident you can handle this" which is code for "You can cope with this even if you feel sick". Remind them of the times they succeeded when they were afraid, but just "reference" those times instead of beating them over the head with it. Nothing breeds success like success!
If they are wee ones, slip a little something in their backpack or lunch box to let them know you are thinking of them (it's a transition object if you wanna get all "psychobabble"!). A happy face with a "See you soon!" is OK, but don't go overboard. Remember, they are watching you and will "rent" your emotional state.
Get out there! I have confidence in you!
Ta ta for now!
Claudia
The first step is to determine "what" these feelings are signaling. Is it excitement or anxiety? Both of these emotions "feel" the same to the body. It's up to the mind to "interpret" them and put a label on them. It's likely a combination of both if your kid is a competent student. But, if they have "stuff" left over from June, it's probably more of an "anxiety load" so, get a head start on resolving it by making a plan.
The next step is to think about your child's previous transitions into the new school year. Did they need a tour of the school to see where their class might be or learn where the bathrooms are? Did they have a pal to play with or have lunch with the first day of school or someone to walk into class with or did they have to "go it alone" while everyone else seemed to have a friend?
Start NOW in developing a relationship with a grade-peer, even it if is short-lived, that will take them through that first day of school. Don't get "heavy duty" about it, just a couple of times to "come around and play" or go to the movies, etc. should do the trick. Remember, it's just an introduction for now.
If your child has learning issues and special education needs, find out as soon as you can when the services will start and who is responsible for implementing them. Develop a Fast Fact sheet which shows the new teacher your child's strengths and weaknesses and use a bullet-point format. No one is going to read a 3-page narrative! Take a "user friendly" tone to let the teacher know you are willing to work together as a team and you're not making demands. Get an extra set of books and develop a "go to" plan when you aren't sure about assignments. Many teachers allow you to e-mail them about issues especially if you prove NOT to be a pain.
During the week before school starts, WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE! Don't tell your student that he'll be "fine". "Fine" means that "everything is just wonderful", but they may not feel wonderful. Consider this: "Jeff, I'm confident you can handle this" which is code for "You can cope with this even if you feel sick". Remind them of the times they succeeded when they were afraid, but just "reference" those times instead of beating them over the head with it. Nothing breeds success like success!
If they are wee ones, slip a little something in their backpack or lunch box to let them know you are thinking of them (it's a transition object if you wanna get all "psychobabble"!). A happy face with a "See you soon!" is OK, but don't go overboard. Remember, they are watching you and will "rent" your emotional state.
Get out there! I have confidence in you!
Ta ta for now!
Claudia
