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Family moments: back to school: making the transition fun
Summer is coming to an end and you're running around trying to get the kids ready for school. While this time of year can be stressful for parents, going back to school can also create tension for children. "Anytime you have a transition, it can create anxiety," says Dr. Angela Neal-Barnett, Associate Professor of Psychology at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, and author of Soothe Your Nerves: The Black Woman's Guide to Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety, Panic and Fear. "Especially if a child is making a transition such as going from elementary school to a new middle school or advancing to high school, there will be anxiety and that's normal. When they start talking about stomachaches or headaches and they don't want to leave the house, you need to be concerned." |
Parents can make the transition of returning to school easy and fun by involving the kids in the process. Let them help choose school clothes, supplies and snacks for breaks or lunch. Being around the things they like at school will remind them of you and home. And once classes start, stay connected to your children to let them know that you are interested in their experiences. "Talk to them about what is going on at school and about the other children in their class," advises Neal-Barnett. "Don't panic if the kids are having an adjustment problem. Just really listen to them."
Try these great back-to school tips:
PLAN LUNCHES TOGETHER
Let the kids help prepare and pack lunches. This is a good way to get them involved, and they're more likely to eat foods that they helped to select. Be sure to include LAY'S[R] brand potato chips with their favorite sandwich for a special treat that will remind them of the warmth of home.
MAKE SCHOOL SHOPPING SPECIAL
Take the kids with you and let them pick out something they really like, such as an item with their favorite cartoon character or sports team on it.
ESTABLISH A FIRM HOMEWORK ROUTINE
Set aside a time and a designated work space for doing homework. Be sure to keep the TV set turned off.
GET A WALL CALENDAR
Keep track of play dates and extracurricular activities with a family wall calendar. If you have more than one child, use a different color for each to code their activities. After soccer practice or a dance lesson, enjoy a bag of LAY'S[R] brand potato chips to extend the fun.
EXPLORE NEW SCHOOLS IN ADVANCE
If your child will be starting at a new school, stop by before classes start to familiarize yourself and your child with the new setting. Kids will feel more comfortable walking into a building that they've seen before. Make a special occasion out of the trip by packing a picnic lunch to enjoy after your tour.
REWARD GOOD GRADES
When your children show improvement in their grades, reward them with experiences you both can share. Take a trip to the zoo, go bowling or spend an afternoon at an indoor amusement park to celebrate their accomplishments.
Ease the transition of going back to school with LAY'S[R] potato chips for lunches and breaks they'll love. For more information, please visit our website at LAYS.com.
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT LAYS.COM
LAY'S[R] and LAY'S[R] Logo and Get Your Smile On[R] are trademarks used by Frito-Lay, Inc. [c] 2005 Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
Information in this advertisement is offered for the convenience of readers. Frito-Lay does not endorse nor is it responsible for any claims or damages related to any third party referenced in this advertisement.
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