YMCA parent tips: back-to-school success

Each fall, children and parents face the start of school. Sometimes this can bring on anxiety, especially if a new environment or new faces are involved.

Many children experience renewed attacks of clinging. More often than not, these attacks are brief and temporary, especially if parents respond with patience and tolerance.

Below are some ways for parents to help their children prepare for and cope with back-to-school jitters.

Talk about what will happen while your child is at school.

Compare the activities to similar experiences your child may have had while playing with friends or at a birthday party. Assure her that although you are not there, you will be thinking about her and will be there to pick her up at the end of the day.

Visit the school beforehand.

Try to arrange for a tour of the school before the first day. This will help get your child used to new surroundings.

Go over the walking route or bus schedule.

Children who walk to or from school should rehearse the trip, finding out which corners have crossing guards. Children who take the bus should learn where they meet the bus at home and at school. Take your child in the car and help her point out landmarks so she'll know she's on the right bus.

Review personal safety rules with your child.

Don't talk to strangers, never get close to strangers' cars, always try to walk with friends and so on.

Get a list of school supplies needed.

Most schools print a list of supplies well in advance of the first day of school so that parents can prepare and take advantage of back-to-school sales. It can be tough on a child when she's the only one in class without a glue stick. Some kids may have extra things that your child may see and decide she wants. If that creates a problem, talk to her and help her understand what your family can afford.

Attend school with your child.

Talk to the teacher and plan a schedule for the first few days that will gradually reduce the amount of time you spend in class. This not only reassures your child but gives you the chance to see what happens so you can talk about it later.

Before leaving, spend a few extra minutes comforting your child.

Hugs and reassurances always help!