Beating the Back-to-School Blues

#Back-to-school time can be fraught with worry for #kids and #parents alike. Kids might worry about new and more difficult classes, making friends, and catching the bus on time. Parents likely worry about getting kids to school, managing homework and money.

Most jarringly for kids, the season represents a shift from the carefree days of #summer. There won’t be as many opportunities for freestyle play or spontaneous family fun when school is in session; it’s like starting a new job at the end of every #summer. Naturally, the shift can produce anxiety.

Academic struggles, relationships, bullying, fitting in and the unknown can take their toll on the young psyche, says Parents. Common signs of anxiety in children can include physical complaints, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.

Listen to #children and validate their feelings to deal with any possible qualms about going back to #school. Encourage kids to express their concerns. Remind them that they aren’t alone. Work through worries together, calmly and with understanding.

It can help to do a “walk-through” of the school day — waking up on time, eating breakfast, packing their backpacks, and traveling to and from school. Get children comfortable with the transition before it takes place.

You can also plan a #summertime “last hurrah” — an outing designed to give your kids a great memory of the summer that was. It could be a trip to the beach, a day at an amusement park or a celebratory meal — anything that gives your child something to look forward to.

And parents — if you’re worried about the expense of having growing children in school — start your back-to-school #shopping at the #thrift and #secondhand stores supplied by #donations to ClothingDonations.org. You can #save #money on any number of school needs, from clothing to art supplies.

As you take stock of the summer and prepare your kids to return to school, ask them if there’s anything they no longer need. Set those things aside and schedule a free #donation #pickup with ClothingDonations.org. Those goods will be resold to help the nation’s #veterans.

Transitions are never easy — especially the one from summer fun to schoolwork. Help your kids cope; it will help them succeed at school!