3 Tips to Help You and Your Child Plan Ahead To
Avoid Anxiety During the School Year
Dilini Dharmawardana, MFTI
Does the start of the new school year cause you and your child stress and anxiety? School can be a very overwhelming place, especially in the beginning of the school year. During the first month or two of school, your child may already feel anxious due to having a new teacher, not knowing anyone in their classroom, and having homework where there was none before. This school year get ahead of the curve by utilizing these three tips to help reduce worry.
Tip #1: Go Shopping for School Supplies Early
When the new school year starts it is important to be prepared by going to store early. Take your child with you and pick out school supplies together. This can be a bonding experience as well as an errand. School supplies generally come in a variety of designs, colors, and/or patterns, so taking your child with you can help reduce your stress as well since picking the right pattern can be overwhelming.
Tip #2: Stay Organized
In school, organization is key to knowing when assignments and homework are due. If you and your child start off being organized, maintaining the organization will not be too hard. Staying organized will also help you know when each child has things going on (if you have multiple children). If your child is starting school this year, go with them to the school early and show them to their classroom and get them acquainted with the different areas of the school that they may need to know.
Tip #3: Talk with your Child about their School Day
Stay involved in your child’s school day by asking them how their day at school went. Ask them what they liked about their day and what they did not like. Your child will appreciate the time you spend with them finding out about how school is for your child. School will be a less overwhelming place for you and your child if you know what is going on in your child’s school day. Life is hectic enough without school being another added stressor. If you are able to follow these steps, it will be easier to manage the stresses of the school year. So, let’s start the school year off right by planning ahead and staying on top of things!
