Moms and dads are gearing up for the annual "Back to School" struggle, new shoes, new clothes, maybe uniforms, books, pencils, etc.
, etc.
All of these expenses can cause great angst.
Will there be enough money for this extra expense?Will the teacher add additional items to the "to buy" list?Shall I take advantage of the pre-school sales or wait for the final requests? Even with all this in mind, have you considered your youngster's new school year anxiety? As adults, we all, at one time or another, experience a sense of dread of participating in new experiences, meeting new people, fear that others won't accept us or will judge us in some way.
Try to wear your children's shoes for a while.
Imagine going into a room full of strangers and meeting for the first time, a teacher who, on a daily basis, will spend more time with you than your own parents.
What if you don't respond well to each other?What if she or he "hates" you? What if? What if?What if? 8 YEAR-OLD CHRISTINE SAID:When asked to express her feelings about going back to school, 8 year-old Christine said, "I feel funny, not knowing if those people will like me, if they will talk to me, even.
I wonder if the teacher will be nice or mean.
It's scary, sometimes.
" If adults experienced fears as mentioned above, what unreal thoughts will be zooming through these young minds? Are they equipped to handle this anxiety? Would you recognize it if your child was suffering from this type of angst? Some newly, single parents or anyone who has been relocated due to a job change, knows that feeling.
They realize they are alone and have to re-establish new relationships with people they don't know.
If you have learned how to use positive self-talk on yourself, you may want to share it with your young ones.
Let your child know that you suffer the same ledge-walking uneasiness at times.
Admitting this can be a binding factor in your relationship.
Offering alternative methods of thinking (positive self-talk) can lead your child to better self-esteem.
Pointing out your child's better points can bolster his/her confidence and lead them to personal power.
THE "RUGRATS" EXAMPLE Chuckie, of THE RUGRATS show, used positive self-talk in the episode when he was afraid to go down the sliding board.
He says, "I'm a brave dog, I'm a brave dog.
" etc.
, until he climbs the ladder on the slide and goes down in victory.
He returned to slide down again and again, thus conquering his fear.
Childish? Not really, This type of self-talk works well at any age.
Children are forced to "go down the slide" day after day, like it or not, because school is mandatory.
If their school experience becomes bearable, they will survive, if not, there are discipline problems, absenteeism and general dislike of school.
Your child, or a child you know, is forced to step outside his/her comfort zone, daily.
When they can be led to view this as a manageable challenge that can lead to victory, their self-esteem can be broadened immensely.
Your recognition of their growth is important to them, personally, and to both of you, jointly.
PHANTOM STUDENTSTeachers should be aware that they may have some students in their class who have not learned to express their fears properly and will "act out" as a cover up.
Teachers should be on the lookout for the PHANTOM students who slide inside their comfort zones by not participating.
Not participating could mean not learning because they are so consumed in not measuring up.
Even if you are a parent who does not have custody of your children, keep in mind that, you can be a great comfort to your child by just acknowledging you have been in the position your child is in, and offering guidance.
Young people and older people too, sometimes feel that having he "right stuff" will make them popular.
A level headed parent can show them that the "right stuff" is a ready smile and a friendly, caring attitude.
They will find that love attracts love and quality people will seek them out.
Who knows, a confident attitude may even impress a teacher.