Back to school mania
Hello all.
Well, summer has flown by, especially with my wife’s dad having a stroke and like many of you with older parents, we are running back and forth.
Trying to be there as much as we can, taking “care turns”.
But, he’s well off with his mental capacity fairly good, although it makes him overestimate what he really can at times.
And then all of a sudden it is back to school mania!
This week millions of children and youth go back to school.
For many it has become a stressful event, instead of a fun reunion with their friends after summer.
What can we do to decrease the stress of this back to school mania?
1. Know your child.
Be aware of whether they look forward to seeing certain people, are afraid of bullies, have anxieties about how others will react, whether they will fit in and more.
2. Give them perspective.
As you know, when you are right in the middle of something you often don’t see the big picture. It is the same with your child and youth.
They can focus on what is stressful or choose to look at what may turn out to be fun. And it is one part, a few days of life, even if it seems very important right now, and they will get through.
3. Offer support.
Be available. To let them talk, express what they look forward to as much as what they may be concerned about.
4. Show them ways to get help if needed. Whether it is adults at school, counselors, friends and/or yourself, talk about how important it is to share your concerns if anything happens that bugs them. Children often feel they have to get through this by themselves, don’t see a way out or don’t want to worry their parents. Open the doors for them, to you, to others, so they can share what they need to as quickly as possible.
5. Take it easy yourself this week, so you can truly see, hear and support them when they get back from school.
Ask them questions (without bombarding them) and let them talk.
6. Be ready for some stress reactions like getting angry quickly, withdrawing, unstoppable restlessness, tears.
By being prepared yourself, by making sure you are as relaxed as possible, you can help them through this first day.
And ask for at least one fun thing that happened as well, so they can see that there is light in their school day as well!
Take care and have fun,
wouter