Stress Less
Dr. Rachael Silverman On Keeping Your Cool During Back-To-School
Like or not, it's time to say goodbye to the carefree days of summer - and say hello to a new school year.
Back-to-school stress impacts children of all ages: Younger kids may experience separation anxiety, while older ones may be stressed about college applications.
Parents aren't immune, either. They may be anxious about tackling back-to-school shopping and adapting to new schedules.
During times of transition, anxiety is normal but usually manageable, says Rachael Silverman, Psy.D., a Boca Raton psychologist and past president of the Florida Psychological Association - Palm Chapter. Here, she shares tips for dealing with back-to-school stress as a family to help you start the semester right.
Make sure kids get enough shuteye. Whether you're 15 or 50, it's hard to feel calm when you're exhausted. "Start early with getting your kids' sleep schedule back to what it needs to be," says Dr. Silverman. "Not the week before school starts. The sooner, the better."
Know the signs of stress. Keep an eye out for red flags that your kids are anxious, such as difficulty sleeping, changes in eating habits, clinginess, tantrums, stomachaches or headaches, irritability or sudden changes in behavior. "Any behavioral changes will signify that something internally is going on with kids," she says. "Not all kids have the verbiage to explain how they feel."
Establish open communication. Let your child know that you're always available to talk about anything and everything. A good time to chat is before lights out. "They often open up and feel comfortable and safe right before bed," says Dr. Silverman. "It's when they're getting one-on-one attention and feel relaxed."
Watch your words and actions. Anxious parents tend to send kids to school anxious because children mirror behaviors they observe. If you seem overwhelmed and stressed, they will be, too, so try to keep negative emotions in check.
Create a homework routine. Predictability and structure reduce stress in kids and reinforce good habits, particularly when it comes to tackling schoolwork. "Create a designated homework space in the house away from the chaos," says Dr. Silverman. She recommends letting the kids decorate and stock the space to make it feel like their special spot.