BACK TO SCHOOL – IS YOUR CHILD READY TO FACE THIS YEARS CHALLENGES? Going back to school can be an exciting time for many kids. They miss their friends and are keen to socialise again. They may also be looking forward to starting a new grade and look forward to learning new things. Some kids however are not so excited to go back to school. These kids may have experienced some difficult times in the past. Some may be anxious in nature and are worried about the change that lies ahead. There are others that have learning difficulties and therefore find school stressful. Some children may have fallen victim to bullying and are not excited about returning to that environment. Whatever the reason is for not looking forward to a new year at school, there are things we can do to help ease the transition. Here are some tips to get you started. • Spend time listening to your child’s feelings and validating them. When children feel understood their stress levels drop and they are more open to problem solving. For example, if you child says she is worried about making new friends you can respond by saying something like “Yes I know your nervous about meeting new people, it’s ok to feel that way. Maybe we can think of some ways that might help make it easier for you”. • Teach your child relaxation skills. Relaxation is important because it counteracts the effects of the stress response (when the body is under stress the heart beats faster, you sweat, feel nausea, muscles tighten, breathing is faster). Relaxation induces calm, normal body functioning by rebalancing the body. Some relaxation techniques include Focussed Belly Breathing (also known as Diaphragmatic Breathing), Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Guide Imagery. • Teach your child to recognise their thought patterns, especially worried thoughts. There is a strong link between what you think and how you feel. If have a worried thought such as ‘This looks hard I am going to fail’, then you will surely feel WORRIED, and then you will most likely AVOID THE TASK. • Teach your child to problem solve. When children learn to solve their problems they feel empowered and their self-esteem increases. You can help by asking them firstly to state what the problem is. Then ask them to generate some solutions (good or bad, it doesn’t matter at this point). Then with every solution, ask them to think what the outcome could be. Then finally ask them to chose the best option and try it out. Discuss the outcome afterwards together. • Encourage your child to ask for help when they need it. • If your child has a diagnosed learning difficulty, ensure they will be receiving the support they need at school. • If your child is struggling but you are not sure why (hasn’t been assessed by a child psychologist), a comprehensive assessment will answer your questions and provide solutions to help your child. • Provide your child with good nutrition. Nutrition has an effect on behaviour, mood and brain functioning. Avoid processed and junk foods, sugar, soft drinks, colours and preservatives. Include more water, fresh fruits and vegetables, proteins, whole foods and Essential Fatty Acids found in oily fish such as salmon. • Limit after school activities. Having too many structured activities after school can increase stress in children and cause family problems. • Strive for a balance between school work and family time. • Encourage your child to face their fears one step at a time. A stepladder is useful. • Teach your child ‘not to give up’. Being persistent and not giving up is an essential life skill as it builds resilience. If your child fails at something talk them through it my saying something like ‘it’s okay that you didn’t get it right the first time, with practice you will get better’. Useful story books that emphasise learning a skill are ‘Grug builds a car/learns to fly... by Ted Prior. • Involve your child in preparing their new books and stationery for school, by putting labels on them and buying a new pencil case etc.. • Ensure your child gets enough sleep. Begin the week prior to starting school by re-introducing their ‘bed-time routine’ and making their bedtime earlier until you reach the desired bedtime for their age. • Speak ‘positively’ about school, teachers and learning. Keep lines of communication open between you and your childs teacher. These are just some general tips on how to help your child cope with this year’s challenges. Learning coping skills is a process and takes time. Be patient with your child and with your love and guidance they will develop the skills and confidence to cope with life’s challenges. If you would like more information or need help in implementing any strategies listed above please contact HEALTHY YOUNG MINDS today on 8300 7492 or visit healthyyoungminds.au. Written by Ann Magiris, Principal Psychologist at Healthy Young Minds. 21/01/2014.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Jan 2014 05:56:52 +0000
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