The new semester has arrived. With that comes a host of stressors and anxieties for parents and children alike.
Bedtime becomes stricter. Separation anxiety sets in. The academic pressures of the new semester may also weigh heavily on your mind.The good news: A little planning can make the transition smoother for you and your child, says Gayane Alamian, based in Sherman Oaks, Calif. family therapist.
“We parents tend to bend our rules during the summer. “But before school starts, preparation and routine are important.”
Below are Aramian’s top three tips to help your kids have a successful back-to-school.
Suddenly putting your child to bed early or watching less TV will only confuse them and can feel like punishment.
“I really have to explain [these changes] Please let your child know in advance,” says Aramian.
Her advice: start building These changes will be made 2-3 weeks before school starts. Everyone’s routine is different, but some common elements are ideal for everyone, she says.
- get out of bed early
- Choose clothes the night before, prepare a lunch box, etc.
- make a morning checklist
- Reward your child when all tasks are completed
Alamyan also advises buying back-to-school children’s books that detail what children can expect from their new lifestyle in a fun and easy-to-understand way.
Nearly all children between the ages of 18 months and 3 years have some degree of separation anxiety. stanford medicine. Although most children experience this problem as they grow up, about 3% of children continue to experience this problem through elementary school. Philadelphia Children’s Hospital Reported for 2021.
This is “a normal part of child development,” says Alamian. So when you drop your child off at school, be sure to say: “Mommy or Dad will pick you up. I’ll be right back. See you later.” Even if it seems obvious, “It’s important to say it out loud every day,” she said. I will add.
Parents also struggle with separation anxiety — especially those with “pandemic infants,” Alamian said.
If you are, try not to project your insecurities onto your children during drop-offs to and from school or daycare. “If you are going to cry, your child will probably cry too,” says Alamyan. “We want to show them that this is part of life and that it’s our responsibility.”
The pressure to do well in school can be stressful for children. Try to instill confidence in them, even if they make mistakes, says Alamian.
“Discuss with children what they are struggling with, what they need special help with, and how you can support them,” she says. “Maybe you have a tutor who can help, or you can talk to a teacher to help you with your specific needs.”
“More importantly, it gives children confidence in their problem-solving abilities,” she added.
Confident students absorb content faster, are more likely to be excited to learn, ask for help, and speak up in class (2017) National Education Association article was noticed.
“It’s more useful to have confidence than to get straight A’s,” Alamian said. “With that emotional component, academics will grow as well.”
Don’t Miss: Do you want to be smarter and more successful in money, work and life? Sign up for our new newsletter!
Get CNBC for free Warren Buffett Investment GuideThis book brings together the billionaire’s number one advice for the average investor, the do’s and don’ts, and three key investment principles in a clear, simple guidebook.
