Another school year has begun and we are off to a GREAT start. As exciting as heading back to school is, it can also be quite stressful. Those good habits you help your kids develop now will come in handy later when your kid heads off to college.
My niece started college this year and there has been a little anxiety and understandably so. College, just like any other back to school experience can be a little stressful.
Here are six tips to help minimize back to school stress for your kid whether they're just starting kindergarten or heading off to college like my niece.
1. Gather Your Supplies
My kids were scouts for all of one, maybe two years. The one takeaway is ALWAYS BE PREPARED. Ever wonder why back to school shopping season starts BEFORE the school year? It's so parents can buy their kids most of the supplies they'll need before heading back to school. Trust me there's nothing worse than a late night trek to Wally World for a poster board and a glue stick for an assignment that's due tomorrow.
Make sure your kid has all of their supplies beforehand. Of course college students will need basic school supplies like pens, pencils and paper but they'll need to stock up on other essentials like deodorant, laundry detergent, sheets, towels, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, etc.
2. Get Some Sleep
You can ask anyone in my family and they will tell you I do not slack when it comes to getting a good night's rest. We're a "lights out by 9" kinda family. I remember one time my son spent the night at a friend's house and when I went to pick him up, his friend's mom remarked that my kid was out like a light by 10. She was so surprised. I was surprised also, I mean he's usually out by 9.
Parents set a bedtime for your little ones and stick to it. Developing good sleeping habits when kids are young will help will help them maintain a regular, relaxing sleep routine when they're older.
College can be a lot of fun. You're away from your parents. You make your own rules. You're doing your own thing. Just don't make the mistake of signing up for that 8 o'clock class when you know you are not a morning person. We're only week 3 into classes and my kid learned the hard way. He woke up late for his early morning class and got to class to find the door locked. His professor has no tolerance for tardiness. Lesson learned.
3. Get Some Fresh Air
My kids are heavy gamers and my husband and I have always stressed the importance of time away from the screen. When they were little it was easy. We could take the bikes out of the garage and go for a bike ride. Or go for a walk around the neighborhood.
My niece talked about joining a gym while in college. I was surprised she didn't know there was a HPER Center (Health, Physical Education and Recreation) aka gym on campus and it's included in her tuition. The school even offers exercise classes, yoga and water aerobics. The campus has a sports equipment lending library where students can rent bikes, canoes, hiking, rock climbing gear and more.
My niece will rock her Koral Activewear on campus that's for sure. Koral is stylish and perfect for active lifestyles like ours. The fabric holds its shape, keeps its color wash after wash and moisture wicking fabric to keep us dry when exercising or making the trek cross campus.
4. Talk About the Day
Dinner time is usually our time to talk about the happenings of the day. I enjoy hearing how my kids day went and when they got older and started asking me about my day... OMG, best feeling ever. Talking about the day helps you decompress from the stresses of the day. It helps foster effective oral communication skills in a world where most of us communicate non verbally.
These skills will definitely come in handy when your kid enrolls in the Speech Communications course nearly every student has to take.
5. Embrace the New
I was a military kid. We moved around a lot. I attended 3 high schools. Yes 3! Moving around helped me learn adaptability skills. Of course starting school for the first time or starting a new school can be a little scary. One way to help students as they navigate a new school is to encourage them to join activities or clubs that interest them.
My niece's college held an Activities Fair the first week of college. The fair was a great way to introduce students to the various clubs and available services on campus. My niece is a budding photographer and signed up for the Photography Club. My son signed up for the EA Sports Team and was selected to participate in an upcoming gaming event. Both are doing something they enjoy and they're meeting new people.
6. Just Breathe
When my kids were toddlers my mom would have them practice deep breathing. I always thought it was just something cute but truth is there are so many benefits to taking a few deep breaths.
Deep breathing slows the heart rate, reduces anxiety and relieve stress. Deep breathing is key in several yoga exercises and even when lifting weights. One of the local elementary schools recently began an after school yoga class and pranayama or deep breathing exercises is one of the first classes they help students master. Instructors say this helps students in and outside the classroom.
College can be stressful. It's a new experience and it's important to let your kid know you are proud of them. Trust them to use the skills you've taught them over the years.
Parents, encourage your kid to enjoy their college experience!
My niece started college this year and there has been a little anxiety and understandably so. College, just like any other back to school experience can be a little stressful.
Here are six tips to help minimize back to school stress for your kid whether they're just starting kindergarten or heading off to college like my niece.
1. Gather Your Supplies
My kids were scouts for all of one, maybe two years. The one takeaway is ALWAYS BE PREPARED. Ever wonder why back to school shopping season starts BEFORE the school year? It's so parents can buy their kids most of the supplies they'll need before heading back to school. Trust me there's nothing worse than a late night trek to Wally World for a poster board and a glue stick for an assignment that's due tomorrow.
Make sure your kid has all of their supplies beforehand. Of course college students will need basic school supplies like pens, pencils and paper but they'll need to stock up on other essentials like deodorant, laundry detergent, sheets, towels, cleaning supplies, toothpaste, etc.
Fashion by Koral Activewear |
2. Get Some Sleep
You can ask anyone in my family and they will tell you I do not slack when it comes to getting a good night's rest. We're a "lights out by 9" kinda family. I remember one time my son spent the night at a friend's house and when I went to pick him up, his friend's mom remarked that my kid was out like a light by 10. She was so surprised. I was surprised also, I mean he's usually out by 9.
Parents set a bedtime for your little ones and stick to it. Developing good sleeping habits when kids are young will help will help them maintain a regular, relaxing sleep routine when they're older.
College can be a lot of fun. You're away from your parents. You make your own rules. You're doing your own thing. Just don't make the mistake of signing up for that 8 o'clock class when you know you are not a morning person. We're only week 3 into classes and my kid learned the hard way. He woke up late for his early morning class and got to class to find the door locked. His professor has no tolerance for tardiness. Lesson learned.
3. Get Some Fresh Air
My kids are heavy gamers and my husband and I have always stressed the importance of time away from the screen. When they were little it was easy. We could take the bikes out of the garage and go for a bike ride. Or go for a walk around the neighborhood.
My niece talked about joining a gym while in college. I was surprised she didn't know there was a HPER Center (Health, Physical Education and Recreation) aka gym on campus and it's included in her tuition. The school even offers exercise classes, yoga and water aerobics. The campus has a sports equipment lending library where students can rent bikes, canoes, hiking, rock climbing gear and more.
My niece will rock her Koral Activewear on campus that's for sure. Koral is stylish and perfect for active lifestyles like ours. The fabric holds its shape, keeps its color wash after wash and moisture wicking fabric to keep us dry when exercising or making the trek cross campus.
4. Talk About the Day
Dinner time is usually our time to talk about the happenings of the day. I enjoy hearing how my kids day went and when they got older and started asking me about my day... OMG, best feeling ever. Talking about the day helps you decompress from the stresses of the day. It helps foster effective oral communication skills in a world where most of us communicate non verbally.
These skills will definitely come in handy when your kid enrolls in the Speech Communications course nearly every student has to take.
5. Embrace the New
I was a military kid. We moved around a lot. I attended 3 high schools. Yes 3! Moving around helped me learn adaptability skills. Of course starting school for the first time or starting a new school can be a little scary. One way to help students as they navigate a new school is to encourage them to join activities or clubs that interest them.
My niece's college held an Activities Fair the first week of college. The fair was a great way to introduce students to the various clubs and available services on campus. My niece is a budding photographer and signed up for the Photography Club. My son signed up for the EA Sports Team and was selected to participate in an upcoming gaming event. Both are doing something they enjoy and they're meeting new people.
6. Just Breathe
When my kids were toddlers my mom would have them practice deep breathing. I always thought it was just something cute but truth is there are so many benefits to taking a few deep breaths.
Deep breathing slows the heart rate, reduces anxiety and relieve stress. Deep breathing is key in several yoga exercises and even when lifting weights. One of the local elementary schools recently began an after school yoga class and pranayama or deep breathing exercises is one of the first classes they help students master. Instructors say this helps students in and outside the classroom.
College can be stressful. It's a new experience and it's important to let your kid know you are proud of them. Trust them to use the skills you've taught them over the years.
Parents, encourage your kid to enjoy their college experience!
Comments
Louise x