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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, August 20, 2015 | 24 Fall Registration Ease first-day nerves for the best school year yet By Malia Jacobson New teachers, new friends, and new routines: the first day of school is loaded with fresh experiences and chock-full of excitement. It can also be filled with anxiety, particularly for young children or those transitioning to a new school. Kids who feel uneasy about school starting may be reluctant to attend, or they might display their anxiety by acting out. Fortunately, parents can help ease the jitters and pave the way for schoolyear-success with some preparation. Schedule sync ­ Kids will have an easier time adjusting to the new school year if their inner rhythms are in sync. Help ensure that they'll be awake and alert for their morning classes by transitioning to a school-year sleep routine before the first day. Establish a school-year bedtime and wake-up time a couple of weeks before school begins. Prepare kids for busy mornings by practicing the morning routine of getting up, dressing, and eating breakfast at the time they'll be getting ready for school. New traditions ­ Give kids something to look forward to after the exciting, worryprovoking first day. Start a new tradition of a fun dinner out where each child can share their favourite part of the first day of school and set one goal for the upcoming year -- jot down their goals and post them at home. Getting through a tough morning may be easier if a child knows he can look forward to a fun treat at the day's end. Preview new digs ­ It's natural for kids to feel anxious when they don't have a clue what the school day will hold. Visiting their new classroom in advance can help quell these worries before they get out of hand. Even better: contact the school to see if they can meet their new teacher before the first day. During your school visit, give them a mini tour. Show them where they'll be sitting for class and where they'll eat lunch. Make sure they know where they'll get on the bus or where you'll pick them up each afternoon. "Knowing what to expect when school begins will help anxious kids feel more at ease," says clinical child psychologist Dr. Edward Christophersen. Facilitate friendships ­ According to child and family psychologist Laura Grashow, Psy.D., having friends and being accepted by peers is a very important part of the school experience. "Depending upon the age of the child, parents can take an active role in facilitating friendships at school," she says. Help prepare kids for school-year socializing by arranging a couple of playdates with classmates prior to the start of class, and reminding them that they'll be seeing their familiar school friends again soon. Share back-to-school prep ­ Shouldering some responsibility for back-toschool preparations helps kids feel more empowered and excited about the big day. Arrange a fun back-to-school shopping trip, and allow them to pick out their own backpacks, shoes, and supplies. Have kids help you with back-to-school chores; let them check items off their back-to-school supply list, sort school paperwork, and plan lunch menus. Practice makes perfect ­ "Save your breath; talking too much about the first day of school contributes to pressure and first-day jitters. It's far more important to actually practice these strategies than it is to talk about them," says Christophersen. "Practicing new routines teaches them to children. Discussing them just makes children anxious," he notes. Don't overshare ­ If you're nervous about the first day of school, kids will almost certainly be nervous too. Kids can easily pick up on parental anxiety, so if you feel anxious about your kids starting school, try to hide your negative feelings. Instead of worrying about the beginning of school, concentrate on enjoying what's left of summer with your kids. Take the focus off school starting by planning a late-summer camping adventure, beach trip, or barbecue. Learning becomes leading. Schedule your tour of our beautiful 10-acre campus and see how inspiring education can be. Our state-of-the-art campus is specifically designed to give your daughter the exceptional education she deserves. At St. Mildred's ­ Lightbourn School, we believe all girls are destined for greatness. We simply give them what they need to reach their potential. Help your daughter Rise & Shine. Book your tour today by calling 905.845.5830 ext. 814 or by visiting www.smls.on.ca. Now accepting applications for Preschool to Grade 12.