theschoolboards
08-30-2010, 09:53 AM
Excerpts from the Boston Globe article (http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/08/29/ways_to_soothe_the_first_day_jitters/) by Katrina Ballard:
Though some children can barely contain their excitement as they choose an outfit for the first day of school and gleefully shop for new supplies, many other students feel anxiety in the weeks before September, wondering what the new school year will bring.
Jon Mattleman, director of Needham Youth Services, said parents often make the mistake of assuming their children are excited about school, rather than asking them how they feel. Once parents know what their child is worried about, they can take the steps to put them at ease, he said.
Students shifting to a new school may feel better after taking a tour of the building, finding their locker, and practicing to open its lock, said Mattleman. For children who worry about grades, parents should talk about realistic expectations and help their kids get organized by buying them a planner or making sure they have all the right supplies.
“One of the challenges is the social part; parents need to understand it takes a lot of emotional, psychic energy to get ready for school,’’ said Mattleman. “Getting to bed even a half-hour earlier every night the week before is putting your child in position to succeed.’’
To read more, click here (http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/08/29/ways_to_soothe_the_first_day_jitters/).
What are your own tips for soothing the first-day jitters?
Though some children can barely contain their excitement as they choose an outfit for the first day of school and gleefully shop for new supplies, many other students feel anxiety in the weeks before September, wondering what the new school year will bring.
Jon Mattleman, director of Needham Youth Services, said parents often make the mistake of assuming their children are excited about school, rather than asking them how they feel. Once parents know what their child is worried about, they can take the steps to put them at ease, he said.
Students shifting to a new school may feel better after taking a tour of the building, finding their locker, and practicing to open its lock, said Mattleman. For children who worry about grades, parents should talk about realistic expectations and help their kids get organized by buying them a planner or making sure they have all the right supplies.
“One of the challenges is the social part; parents need to understand it takes a lot of emotional, psychic energy to get ready for school,’’ said Mattleman. “Getting to bed even a half-hour earlier every night the week before is putting your child in position to succeed.’’
To read more, click here (http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2010/08/29/ways_to_soothe_the_first_day_jitters/).
What are your own tips for soothing the first-day jitters?