We don’t need no education
We don’t need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teacher! Leave them kids alone!-Pink Floyd
Oh, the universal anxiety of the start of a new school year! Although some children may truly look forward to it, for others, lots of assistance from you may be necessary.
It can be helpful if you communicate to your children an attitude of optimism and enthusiasm about the upcoming year. For example, you can say:
- “It will be nice to see some of your school friends that you haven’t seen all summer.”
- “Remember how much fun you had playing kickball at recess last year?”
- “Remember at the beginning of school last year, you didn’t know anyone in your class and before you knew it you made some great friends?”
- “Let’s make a list of some your favorite lunches and we’ll plan them out for the first week.”
- “I heard Mrs. X allows lots of free time, singing, drawing, etc. in her classroom.”
When your children hear your confidence in them and in their ability to be successful and enjoy school, it can help them to overcome their fears and anxieties and set a positive tone for the whole year!
Claire Gawinowicz, Certified Parenting Educator
