Back to School

We all remember the mixture of emotions that going back to school often brings. You're anxious and excited, but disappointed that summer's over all at the same time. Whether the sunny season was jam-packed with activities from start to finish, or filled with complaints that they were bored to tears with nothing to do, many kids of all ages have a hard time making the transition from pool to school.

Battling the Butterflies

As with any new or potentially unsettling situation - be it starting school for the first time or entering a new grade or a new school - allow your child time to adjust. Remind your child that everyone feels a little nervous about the first day of school - even Mom and Dad and probably even the teacher - and that it will all become an every-day routine in no time. Emphasize the positive things about going back to school, such as hanging out with old friends, meeting new classmates, buying cool school supplies, and showing off the new fall duds (or snazzy accessories if your child has to wear a uniform).

It's also important to talk to kids about what worries them and offer reassurance: Are they afraid they won't make new friends or get along with their teachers? Is the thought of schoolwork stressing them out? Are they worried about the bully from last year?

You may want to consider adjusting your own schedule to make the transition smoother. It's especially beneficial for parents to be home at the end of the school day for the first week. But many working moms and dads just don't have that flexibility. If you can't be there when school lets out, try to arrange your evenings so that you're able to give your child as much time as he or she needs, especially during those first few days.

If your child is starting a new school, contact the school before the first day to arrange a day and time to visit. And ask if your child can be paired up with another student, or "buddy," to help your child get acquainted with the new people and surroundings, suggests the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Some schools may also provide maps that your child can carry around until things become more familiar.

To help keep kids' back-to-school butterflies at bay, try to transition your child into a consistent school-night routine 1 or 2 weeks before school starts. It's also a good idea to make sure kids:

• get enough sleep (establish a reasonable bedtime so that they'll be well-rested and ready to learn in the morning)
• eat a healthy breakfast (kids are more alert and do better in school if they eat a good breakfast every day)
• write down the need-to-know info to help them remember all of the details, such as their locker combination, what time classes and lunch start and end, their homeroom and classroom numbers, teachers' and/or bus driver's names, etc.
• use a wall calendar or personal planner to record when assignments are due, tests will be given, extracurricular practices and rehearsals will be held, etc.
• have them organize and set out what they need for the school day the night before (i.e., homework and books should be put in their backpacks by the front door, and clothes should be laid out in their bedrooms)

Although it's normal to be anxious in any new situation, a few children develop real physical symptoms, such as headaches or stomachaches, associated with the start of school. If you're concerned that your child's worries go beyond the normal back-to-school jitters, speak with your child's doctor, teacher, or school counselor.