Hudson Valley Parent

Making the shift from pool to school T with regard to seeking he days are getting outside resources. shorter, which means Barring any unusual summer will soon be problems, there are ending and a new school many things you can year will begin. Some do to ease the transition children are eager, and jitters your child even excited, about going may have. back to or starting school. For them, the change from Fear of the unstructured activities to unknown a structured day is not Most anticipatory AUL only easy but a highly anxiety is not based on CHWARTZ anticipated one. the reality of the The transition from fun upcoming event, but filled unstructured summer Child rather on the perception days to the often rigorously Behavior of the event formed in structured schedule that the child's mind, the accompanies the school "What if's!" Especially for children, year is potentially challenging and the fantasy "What ifs" are often anxiety producing for any child, the source of anxiety, not the even if the change is a highly anticipated one. Whether your child event itself. The key to changing a child's is entering a new grade, new perception and reducing the anxiety school, or possibly starting of an upcoming event is to begin kindergarten, she may be feeling the process early! Anxiety is always anxious even if she is looking higher when there are a significant forward to the new experience. number of unknowns. Make the Anticipatory anxiety unknowns known! The more time a child has to get used to the idea of Some children experience what change and the more potential might be called, "anticipatory exposure she has to the event, anxiety." These children, who the easier the process of exhibit beyond the normal jitters or anxieties about school, may develop change will be. significant physical symptoms such Tips to get your child excited as headaches, stomach aches or about starting school complain of vague aches and pains. Although all these suggestions Some children even experience real are not germane to all children panic at the idea of school and returning to or starting school for develop what is clinically called the first time, the following have "school phobia." proven helpful for assisting children If your child is experiencing with the beginning of a new more than the usual cluster of school year. symptoms that accompany anxiety For children starting school for for any new or changing situation, the first time, familiarization with you might want to seek professional the building can be extremely help or at least discuss your helpful, not only to alleviate concerns with the school anxiety, but also to avoid potentially psychologist. The school psycholproblematic situations. ogist may also be able to meet with Visit the school and show your your child and offer some guidance S 8 Hudson Valley Parent August 2013 P "[For children] the what if's are often the source of anxiety, not the event itself." child his classroom, the nurse's office, bathrooms, lunchroom, bus pick-up and drop off sites, as well as where you will pick him up, should the need arise. If your child's school doesn't offer maps, make one for your child. Talk to your child about the events at school, always keeping a positive perspective about new activities, homework and friends. Ask your child about her concerns about starting school. Rehearse possible situations she thinks might arise. Rehearsing what would you do or say is an excellent way to prepare your child for some of the "what if's" that invariably come up. Children should have emergency numbers to immediately reach you. Despite the school having contact numbers, it is always reassuring for children to carry these with them. Help your child understand that she isn't the only child feeling anxious. During the initial days of the new school year, teachers often help everyone have a good beginning and feel comfortable. Paul Schwartz, Ph.D. is a professor of psychology and education at Mount Saint Mary College. MY BRAIN IS FRIED! Tips for reducing summer brain drain hvparent.com/brain-drain

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