In most stores, beach towels and sunscreen are being replaced with backpacks and notebooks. Somehow, the first day of school is just around the corner! Many kids are energized by the possibility of back to school, but others are anxious about the unknown. A new teacher, a new school, or going to school for the first time can shake even the most resilient child.
“One of our biggest fears as humans is the unknown, and starting a new school year involves a lot of unknowns,” says Laura Markham, Ph.D. She is a clinical psychologist and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting.
There are steps you can take to make back to school easier. The school-based clinicians at Jefferson Center offered these tips to ease the transition.
Bonus Tip: Know what’s available at your child’s school for help! Schools have counselors and Jefferson Center has a school-based program where clinicians are on-site at many area schools to support kids and families with anxiety or other mental health challenges.
Start incorporating these tips into your daily lives today to make that first day back to school more manageable for everyone!
Shannon Gwash is the Director of Wellness Services for Jefferson Center and is also a Certified Mayo Clinic Wellness Coach. She earned her MS from the University of Denver in Strategic Health Communications/Behavior Change. She has nearly 10 years of experience in the communication world and nearly three in parenting … which clearly makes her an expert there. To stay sane, she runs around Sloan’s Lake, hikes with her daughter, enjoys outdoor concerts and reads nerdy books.
Reach out and connect with Jefferson Center today.
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