Q: How and what to prepare my kids for back to school?

Apart from purchasing the upteen-million different kinds of supplies your school requires for your child to have, there is an emotional component to preparing your child for school. No matter what grade or level they are entering, there is a transitional period between lackadaisical summer days and the regiment of a school day schedule.

For some children this could cause higher levels of anxiety as they approach what is essentially a lifestyle switch. Especially if it their first day of school or their first day of a new school. As a parent, you can help to proactively alleviate this stress by visiting the school they will be attending prior to the first day of classes or allowing them to take a small sentimental item with them on the first day. (I remember how insistent I was on my first day of school to bring my favorite stuffie, who spent the entire time in my bookbag – I guess I was having too much fun!)

You may find that first morning of school an absolute nightmare as your children are adjusting to an earlier wake-up time and a faster paced schedule of getting ready. The obvious thing to do is to practice getting ready for school in the days leading up to the first day. You can also avoid morning chaos by having lunches, book-bags and outfits prepared the night before.

Lastly, make sure you talk to your child. If there are fears and anxieties surrounding the return or commencement of school, the only way to find out is to encourage your child to open up about their feelings. Allow them to share the burden of their emotions. Let your child know that you are aware of what they are going through.