Link - Good Health Pharmacy

The start of a new school year can leave students and parents feeling a little frazzled. Knowing how to squash the stress will make for a smoother transition…

GET FAMILIAR

Ensuring that you and your child are familiar with the new school or classroom and teachers will help children ease into a fresh school year. Ideally, parents should take the time to meet with a new teacher at the start of the year.

Parental involvement helps to boost student achievement and improve grades because, among other things, children come to view their parents and teachers as a team. It also becomes a point of pride for children to see their parents actively involved in the classroom.

Call the school office to see if you can set up a time to meet the teacher to discuss expectations and any learning issues or troublesome subjects.

It is also crucial to alert the school and teacher if your child has any medical conditions like diabetes, asthma, hearing or sight problems.

Visit a new school with younger children before their first day so that they can become accustomed to their new environment. Arriving early and spending time in the classroom until the child feels settled will be a great comfort to a younger child.

Make sure that they know where the various facilities, like the toilets and tuck-shop, are before the day begins.

Also, if a child has to walk to a new school or use a different mode of transport, it might be wise to accompany them on the first few trips until they know the route.

Another good idea, for a younger child attending a new school, is to have them meet someone in their grade before the start of school, or to arrange playdates with children in the class on a regular basis. Ask the teacher or school secretary for a copy of their child’s class list.

DODGE DRAMA

Separation anxiety can be especially overwhelming for younger children and their parents but there are ways to make the first day easier for everyone. A ‘good-bye’ ritual, where parents and their offspring use special parting signs like a unique wave, can help ease anxiety for all. Parents should always try to remain calm and positive when saying goodbye to their children. Even if your child is going to school for the first time, keep your emotions under control because your child is stressed enough without having to cope with your tears! Also, these feelings may convey a negative message about school and confuse a young child. A fuss-free approach is the best way to minimize stress and separation anxiety for everyone (see our article, First Day at Creche).

Many students come home from the first day with a list of complaints, but try not to take them too seriously. Everyone feels a little negative settling into a more rigid routine after weeks of leisure in the December holidays and students should be reminded of this. Give your child a few weeks to adjust, but if their complaints persist after a month, speak to their teacher or school guidance counsellor to find a solution.

PREPARATION IS KEY

Books, lunch boxes, stationery, bags and uniforms….with so much to prepare, even the most organized mom can take strain!

The solution is early preparation and a clear idea of exactly what your child requires.

Make certain that they have:

• the necessary stationery,
• a suitable school bag, and
• all the exercise and text books that they need from the beginning of the year.

Remember to buy enough paper, plastic and adhesive tape to handle wrapping all those books and encourage older children to undertake this arduous task themselves! Make sure that you have the correct uniform - it is well worth shopping for winter uniforms a little early, either at the thrift shop or the school outfitters - as the seasons approach stock runs out quickly.

ESTABLISH A ROUTINE

Your children will find comfort in routine and establishing a daily program early will help them feel more secure, less distracted and ready to learn.

For younger children, developing a relaxed morning routine and sticking to it is essential. When children can predict what’s coming next, they feel competent and are much more likely to cooperate. Older students should also be clear about what is expected of them in terms of waking on time, eating a healthy breakfast and leaving home on schedule in the morning.

Parents should establish a leisurely yet structured bedtime routine and older kids should be encouraged to retire at a regular time. Limit TV time, playing video games and spending time on the computer to at least an hour before bedtime. There should also be a homework routine established at the start of a new school year, so that it becomes a natural part of your child’s daily practice. Stipulate that homework be completed before they can enjoy any extracurricular activities and check that they have completed each task satisfactorily.

SCHOOL RULES!

With careful planning, preparation and a positive attitude, you can encourage your child to view going back to school as an adventure rather than ordeal. The most important thing to remember is that ultimately it’s this guidance and support that will allow your child to thrive scholastically and meet the challenge of the new school year head on.

By Julia Lamberti, Infomration sourced from: Ebony Magazine, KidSource Online, www.health 24.com, www.familyschool.com, www.selfmed.com, www.amazingmoms.com, www.msnbc.msn.com, www.busymom.co.za

HEALTH BODY, HEALTHY MIND

Ensure that your children enjoy a nourishing breakfast, like oats or bran cereal, whole grain toast, fruit, yoghurt, fresh fruit juice or milk, before they leave home in the morning. Include a daily vitamin supplement to boost their mental and physical performance. Also, take the time to pack a healthy lunch the night before the mad rush of a new school day.

Purchase a new lunchbox and fill it with foods like:

• whole wheat sandwiches or wraps with salad and lean protein fillings
• pieces of fresh fruit
• nuts
• low fat yoghurt
• a cookie or two
• pure fruit juice
• low - fat milkshakes

Also, always include a large bottle of ice water to ensure that they remain hydrated throughout the long day. Enclosing a fun note or joke from you is another nice touch.

Most children benefit from a good daily multi-vitamin to supplement their diets. Ask your Link pharmacist to recommend a multi-vitamin or a supplement designed to improve your child’s concentration.