Project Harmony (www.ProjectHarmony.com) understands that back-to-school time can bring a fresh wave of anxiety to children, especially when it’s one of those transition years – Kindergarten to First Grade; Elementary to Middle School; or Middle School to High School. Parents need the tools to help children through what are sometimes called “developmentally salient anxieties” – the common worries and anxieties that accompany each major growth stage. Here are some tips from Project Harmony:
• Start changing summer routines a week or two before the first day of school.
• Take advantage of back to school events that bring children into the school before it starts. Schedule a tour of the new school or a time to meet the new teacher in advance.
• Take advantage of your time together in the car or at bedtime to listen to your child’s concerns, questions, or worries.
• Problem-solving your child’s concerns together gives you the opportunity to coach your child on how to cope with (and interpret) both real and imagined scary situations. You will also be giving your child the tools he or she needs to cope with an unexpected situation that might arise.
Remember that worry is contagious. We can amplify or de-escalate a child’s anxiety, depending on our own internal reaction. Here’s a quick, enjoyable exercise for both parents and children called “Just Breathe”: youtube.com/watch?v=RVA2N6tX2cg.
To learn more about Project Harmony, visit www.ProjectHarmony.com.