| Here we are in the midst of Back to School Week; | | | | research, in which case you should supervise her |
| many kids have mixed feelings about the subject! | | | | online activities. It is always best practice to keep |
| There is likely much excitement about seeing friends | | | | computers in "public" areas of the home; there is a lot |
| not seen over the summer, picking out new school | | | | of temptation with the Internet to lose focus, which |
| supplies or clothes; however, there is also likely some | | | | also fosters anxiety in the long run! |
| worry over learning new rules, new teachers, new | | | | Another very helpful thing that parents can do is to |
| academic information. There are some pretty simple | | | | utilize a large planning calendar to keep track of tests, |
| steps that parents can take to ease this worry and to | | | | projects, activities etc. This calendar should be placed |
| foster school success. | | | | in a central location of your home, where you can |
| The most important thing a parent can do is set a | | | | easily update it each day. Proper time management |
| good, enthusiastic example. Point out to your child all | | | | and organization are very important skills to model with |
| the things he or she liked about school last year, and | | | | your children. Involving children in the picking out of |
| be sure to emphasize the exciting new experiences in | | | | school supplies and organizational items is a good way |
| the year ahead. | | | | to get them excited as well. |
| If your child is particularly anxious about the new school | | | | A final tip here, but I can't stress it's importance enough: |
| year, do not tease! Suggest ways to make him more | | | | Read aloud with your child every day or if they are |
| comfortable: maybe visiting the school prior to the first | | | | older, set aside some time each day where you are all |
| day, having something special in his backpack such as | | | | reading (usually before bed is easiest). Instilling the |
| a family photo, or having tutoring at the end of summer | | | | importance of reading, a love for reading, and boosting |
| to get those academic juices flowing again! | | | | reading skills will go a LONG way in school, not only |
| After school is an especially important time; homework | | | | with performance but also with confidence and |
| time. Failing to structure this properly can make way | | | | anxiety easing. Reading is a crucial skill that is tied to all |
| for intense anxiety! It is best to set aside a spot where | | | | areas of school...again, can't stress the importance |
| she can have privacy and quiet, but still have ready | | | | enough! |
| access to your help if she needs it. Be ready to | | | | As always, consistency here is key. Employ these |
| answer questions or assist, but never do her | | | | strategies in your family life and employ them every |
| homework for her. Turn off the TV, radio and | | | | day. |
| computer - unless she needs to use the Internet for | | | | |