Once again those long awaited days of summer are drawing to an end and families are beginning to turn their attention to the school year ahead. Every family member faces the school year with some anticipation, either dreaded by the child who has enjoyed a carefree fun-filled summer, or the parent who eagerly counts down the days until they are free to return to the activities that have been put on hold so they could focus on making their child’s summer a memorable and energizing experience.

This changeover is a period of time when parents have an opportunity to teach their children several life skills that can be utilized as they progress through life. As individuals, we are faced with changes that are not always easy or pleasant. Learning to cope with new people and places as well as handling demands and expectations, both physically and mentally, only increase as we grow and develop.

Not every family struggles with the adjustment required when children return to school. In some households the children have become somewhat bored and look forward to renewing friendships with classmates or participating in team sports once again. But for many, the transition from summertime back to school can be a challenge, particularly during the first couple of weeks. Certainly every child responds differently when faced with the requirements of school. It varies among the different ages of children but summer and school days can seem as different as night and day, particularly to a very young child.

Returning to school can be especially difficult for very young children or for those who tend to be shy. It is not uncommon for parents to feel a sense of guilt when sending their resistant little one off to school. Both parents and children can benefit by planning and spending individual time together after school. This provides a sense of security and reassurance for the child who is struggling with separation issues.

Similarly, the early school age child may struggle with separation from mom or dad and being away from the security of home while adjusting to a new teacher and perhaps new classmates. In addition, children may feel increased stress if required to start a new school due to graduating class levels or a recent family move. In this situation, it is helpful for the child to become familiar with the new school, classroom and perhaps even the teacher before the start of school. Children learn coping skills very early. This is the time parents can help a child become resilient and learn to handle new situations comfortably.

Many children are allowed to stay up later during the summer which often makes the "early-to-bed" time problematic the first week of school. Starting a week or two ahead of school and making bedtime earlier by small increments can help diminish the struggle and frustration a child may experience. This also can be applied to the child who has developed the habit of sleeping past the start of the school hour. It may be necessary to initiate a reward system for good behavior around bedtime just to get through the first couple of days.

Prior to the beginning of the new school year financial commitments begin. Not only are there required expenses for academics but most sports activities include equipment and uniforms, which can be quite costly. Expenses seem to increase as a child enters middle school and high school. This is the time when children can be taught the value of money. Giving a child an opportunity to help with extra chores and earn an allowance can be a simple way for him or her to contribute toward theexpenses brought about by extra curricular activities.

Once school starts structuring homework and dinnertime can be a struggle. It is important that schedules and routines be established so that everyone in the family has a clear understanding of what is required.

Children learn to feel safe and secure with structure and consistency. Children become responsible individuals while learning that school assignments need to be completed before playing computer games or watching television. This instills self-discipline and they begin to develop time management skills. Children who learn that rewards are earned by hard work and those who do not require instant gratification have a much easier time throughout life.

There is no question that raising children is often challenging and helping them swing back to school with ease is only one of many tasks faced by parents. Whether returning back to school brings excitement or trepidation this is an opportunity for parents to teach their children many life skills. Helping children learn self-discipline, responsibility, goal setting and resiliency are all inclusive when it comes to education.

     Remember communicating with your child about all areas of life will help prepare them for their future.

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