Together may we give our children the roots to grow and the wings to fly – Unknown

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Where did the summer go? I cannot believe my boys return to school tomorrow. In preparation for my boys returning to school, I could not help but think about back to school anxiety that some children experience. Some children may feel anxious about going back to school after a long summer break or others may be nervous about starting school for the very first time. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility as parents to comfort our children as much as possible during this difficult time.

Here’s some tips to ease back to school anxiety:

Tip 1: Organize your home for back to school and allow your children to decorate the space. For example, you can create a comfortable homework area to make them feel more in control and relieve some of their anxious feelings.

Tip 2: Get your children involved in the back to school process. For example, allow your children to make their own lunch, choose their own snacks, pack their own backpacks or choose their own school clothes.

Tip 3: Help your child feel more comfortable about his new school environment and routines. For example, plan to take your children to visit the school and talk about the basics, such as teacher name, room number, lunch time, recess, etc.

Tips for Anxiety Relief – FREE TIPS

Tip 4: Highlight the things that make school great. For example, making new friends, scheduling playdates, becoming more independent, getting new school supplies and clothes. Most importantly, allow your children to talk about their feelings. Remember, don’t talk, just listen.

Tip 5: Try to be home more during back to school time. Plan to spend some quality time talking with your children about their school day. Discuss any concerns and answer any questions that they may have.

Tip 6: Make sure your children gets enough sleep and eats a balanced diet. Getting adequate sleep and eating a healthy diet is important for brain function, mood, and the ability to focus and pay attention during school hours.

Panic/Anxiety Attack

Use this breathing exercise if you or your child experience a panic/anxiety attack:

• Breathe in for 4 seconds
• Hold your breath for 7 seconds
• Exhale breath for 8 seconds
• Repeat once or twice more

Remember, back to school anxiety is real, normal and understandable. Try to remind yourself that any anxiety your children may be feeling is only temporary. Before you know it, your family will be back in the groove and planning for a successful school year. If for some reason parents cannot help their children cope with back to school anxiety, make sure to seek the help from a health professional or a local support group.

Back-to-school deals. Valid 8/26-9/1.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
How do you help your child cope with anxiety? How will your family’s routine change during back to school time?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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