With the school year having already started for most and on the verge of
starting for many, problems that were "tucked away" during the summer months are
now back in full force. Parents often battle mixed emotions as they send their
children off to school, happy to have them back on a scheduled routine and sad
that they'll see less of them for the next 9 months. First time mothers of
kindergartener's are often reluctant to accept that their little ones are now
going to be "out into the world", realizing that they are stepping into new
territory from which there is no turning back. For others, the end of summer
hasn't come soon enough. For the millions of two working parent families,
covering the bases for their kids during the summer months is a tough
assignment.
But what about the kids? How are they feeling about beginning a new school year?
Again, there are mixed reactions. Summer can get long and boring if there isn't
enough to do to keep one occupied, so many are eagerly anticipating being
reunited with the friends they haven't seen for the last 3 months. For others,
the summer season could go on forever because they love the freedom and the lack
of schedule.
For better or worse, it's time for school again and that brings with it a myriad
of concerns such as teacher to student ratios in the classroom, school budgets
or lack thereof, the barrage of homework that parents usually need to supervise
to some extent and the safety factor that unfortunately has become a pressing
issue in the last few years in our nation's schools. Another legitimate concern
is for the emotional well being of our children. Findings from pediatrician, Dr.
Peter Gorski, indicate that children as young as 6 years old (and even younger)
deal with mental health issues which manifest themselves in disruptive behavior,
attention deficit problems, and major depression. He states that as many as 10%
of all students will have an occurrence of significant mental anxiety at one
time or another during their school years. These are not conditions that we wish
to see our children face.
Being aware is the first step in dealing with the issues and as parents and
teachers become better informed early steps can be taken to eliminate or at
least minimize the problems. Mental Health America urges action when students
exhibit the following disorders; constant fidgeting, decline in school
performance, frequent irritability, temper tantrums, persistent nightmares,
worry and anxiety.
Professional health may be required to address extreme problems but for the
"normal" anxieties that plague our children there are some things that we as
adults can do. We can acknowledge that there is a problem and not try to pretend
that it doesn't exist. Encourage conversation. Parents, look for ways to spend
time with your kids where you can just talk. Examine yourself and how you deal
with stress. Do your children see a good example? Suggest that your child start
keeping a journal where they can freely express their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage exercise and involvement with sports - both are great stress busters.
Keep tabs on what your kids are viewing and hearing and be willing to discuss
what is inappropriate or harmful with them. Give them your unconditional love...
always.
As adults, we're well aware of the dire consequences that can result due to
inabilities to deal with the constant and sometimes overpowering pressures of
daily life and want to equip our children to be better able to handle these
burdens.
Trick or Treating - Keep
Your Kids Safe Halloween is a holiday loved by kids everywhere. It’s a fun time
to dress up like silly or scary characters and go trick-or-treating in the
neighborhood. Be sure your kids are safe while trick-or-treating with these
quick tips..
