BACK TO SCHOOL By Teri Allen, OTR/L, Clinical Director The first few weeks of the school year are simultaneously exciting and stressful for children. Adapting to a new routine and environment can take some time, even for an adult. As school begins, your child may have a new teacher, classmates and classroom. At the same time, there will be a switch from the relaxed summer schedule to a definite bedtime and hurried morning schedule. Your child may be riding a different bus with a new driver and different bus route. There may be a need to switch to a different day care in order to match with the new school schedule. In addition, there will probably be new clothes and shoes and new pencils, crayons, books and paper. Wow! What a lot of changes! Our staff has observed that many common behavior problems exhibited by children, escalate during the adjustment to the new school year. Your child may seem more stubborn, exhibit more tantrums, whining, crying and regression to immature behaviors. With a little planning you can minimize your child's stress during this period. This will make life easier for your whole family! The suggestions below will help you get your started on an easy transition from summer to school routines. 1. A week or two before school starts, begin easing back into a school schedule especially for bedtime, meals and morning awakening. 2. Take your child to see the new classroom, and/or meet the teacher prior to the first day of school. 3. If your child will be starting with a different day care arrangement, visit ahead of time and if possible let your child spend time in that environment. 4. Wait until your child seems "settled in" before you add new extracurricular activities or responsibilities. 5. Clear your calendar of extra demands for a week or two. This will allow you to give your child extra patience and attention during this transitional period. 6. If your child is involved in counseling or therapy, keep your scheduled appointments and continue with home programs. This is a familiar part of your child's routine and a time when your child experiences positive feelings about his/her accomplishments. HAVE A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!! |
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