MALVERN, Pa., Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Like many young children, Andrew Scheller, who will turn two next month, had some adjustment problems when he was ready to head back-to-school. This Moorestown, NJ, toddler's fear began as soon as his mother's car turned into the Malvern School parking lot. Once in the classroom he cried as his mother, Pamela, left him alone. While she was filled with guilt, and worried about her young son, she knew he was in the capable hands of his pre-school teacher, Rachel.
Most children experience some form of stress when the new school year begins. Allaying their fears through positive reinforcement, and highlighting memories of past positive school experiences, can give them the head start they need to transition from the relaxation of the summer season to the academic rigor of the fall.
Almost all children, especially young ones, experience varying degrees of separation anxiety when they leave the carefree days of summer behind for the routine of a new school year. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers parents detailed back-to-school tips that range from helping them get through the first day, and developing good homework and study habits -- to healthy eating and dealing with the schoolyard bully.
Kristen Waterfield, president of the Malvern School, which focuses on early education, is also the mother of four young children -- two boys and two girls. She knows first-hand the importance of establishing a routine to help kids deal with the inevitable fear of leaving the security of home and returning to an unfamiliar school environment. "All children will feel some sort of alienation from their parents and friends when the summer is over and they head back-to-school," said Waterfield.
"The most important thing parents can do is talk to their children, and get them excited about the adventures that they will experience as the new year begins. But for me, personally, organization is key. Children need a routine and explaining to them what they will be doing in school and what is expected of them really helps with the transition. Also, it's important for them to know that change and flexibility are good, and being open to new and different experiences will help them enjoy school even more."
Some of the tips Waterfield recommends for easing younger children back to school are: taking them shopping in late summer for their favorite school supplies and clothing; putting special items in their backpacks that remind them of home or their fun summer experiences; spending extra time with them before school starts and talking about their concerns and anxieties; easing them in to and keeping them on a more regimented routine; and above all, loading up on extra hugs and kisses.
Teachers can also play a part in the successful transition from summer-to-school, especially during the critical first week. "Our teachers, as part of their curriculum, explain to the children exactly what they are going to learn, and talk about what their schedules will be like," Waterfield added. "They also encourage them to share their experiences, and help them feel comfortable with getting to know their new schoolmates, meeting new friends, and understanding what is expected of them both academically and socially."
"The Malvern School's daily structure has eliminated the initial fears Andrew experienced and the guilt I carried," said Scheller. "Today, as I walk out of his classroom, he waves goodbye with a big smile."
Waterfield added that arming kids with the right emotional support, as well as sending them off to school with their favorite school supplies, can make all the difference. "Transitions are a natural part of life, and for young children especially, they can be quite a challenge. As parents, we can do a lot to ease their anxiety, and make experiences such as going back to school, actually positive, growth moments."
SOURCE Malvern School
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