Managing Back-to-School Stress

Only a few more days before the beginning on the new school year! I want to take this opportunity to share a past blog with you regarding back-to-school stress.  Enjoy!

The stress of a new school year can make you forget some of the benefits of being a parent. It's an adjustment time for you and your child. Keeping your child safe, healthy and happy during the school year becomes your number one priority. Here are some back-to-school tips to make the transition a little easier and a lot healthier.

Preparation is always the key to diminishing stress. Whether it is purchasing the correct tools, getting tasks done ahead of time or instilling healthy habits in your children, preparation will help you breathe easier.

Here are a few tips:

·    Visit the school.  The stress of a new school year can make you forget some of the benefits of being a parent. It's an adjustment time for you and your child. Keeping your child safe, healthy and happy during the school year becomes your number one priority. Here are some back-to-school tips to make the transition a little easier and a lot healthier.

·    Arm yourself with school supplies before the first day.  Grab an extra school supply list. Most of the time, they are at various stores. Parents can just pick them up as they enter. Hold off buying anything until after you meet the teacher. Show the list to her and ask if there is any addition or elimination, and change it accordingly.

·    Make a trial run this week.  Take a trial run on getting up early at least five days before school. This helps with solidifying the new schedule and is proven to help prevent cranky kids.

·    Have a family meeting.  If you are planning changes with anything at all, have a family meeting at least one week before school. This is the perfect time to implement a new school plan for the new year. For example, new homework rules, activities (not too many, I hope), as well as when and what to eat before school and afterwards. This is especially true if your child goes to an after school program. Although many of the schools are cutting back on the handy chip, soda and candy machines, others have new ones.

Have a happy and safe new school year!

Fitness for Health can help you and your child become ready for gym class this year by creating an individualized fitness program that addresses your child's unique concerns.  Whether your child wants to improve his athleticism or hone phys ed class skills, we can help your child reach his or her goals!  Visit www.FitnessForHealth.org to learn how we can help your child.