Coping with Back to School Stress and Anxiety

For most kids, going back to school is an exciting and fun time, but for some, it is nothing but dreadful. Even if a child isn’t experiencing bullying or academic trouble, the social factor of public education can be downright daunting for students who have social anxiety. This is especially true for high school students.

Teens with social anxiety are usually very reluctant to go to school in the morning and are always looking for ways to avoid both small and large group social situations. Common physical symptoms of anxiety include a fast heart rate, excessive sweating, hyperventilation, dizziness, stomach pain and crying. Most kids with social anxiety also suffer from low self-esteem and have an irrational fear of being watched and judged by others.

If you believe your child is experiencing back-to-school anxiety, you should ask them to open up about their feelings and fears. Anxiety comes in many forms and shouldn’t be ignored. Some children may just need a quick pep talk before school while others may need to seek professional counseling for their fears.
Although social anxiety is a phobia that takes time to conquer, parents can help their children cope with their fears by using the following four tips.

1. Teach relaxation techniques: Techniques include deep breathing, positive visualization and meditation. In addition to these proximate techniques that can be used at the onset of anxious feelings, encourage your child to also do some form of exercise every day. Exercise is great for your overall health, but it is especially good for reducing anxiety and stress.
2. Help them hone a talent: To help with self-esteem, encourage your teenager to focus on their strengths. Whether it is a subject in school, an artistic or athletic ability or something else, children understand their individual value better when they realize and perfect their unique talents.
3. Be their support, not their crutch: Kids with social anxiety often turn to their parents for comfort and reassurance. Many children with social phobia spend most of their time at home after school, because being at home with mom and dad provides a blanket of comfort for them. While this may seem like easy parenting (a child at home is a child protected from trouble), it is not healthy behavior, especially for a teenager. Encourage your teenager to tackle their phobias by spending more time with their friends or participating in an after school activity. If they showcase any concerns, tell them that you know they will enjoy doing something different.
4. Encourage part-time work: If your teenager is old enough to work, encourage them to go get an after school, part-time job. A job will teach them how to meet new people and how to work in a team. They will also learn about responsibility, business and customer service and become exposed to real-world situations that may help them realize the irrationality of their fears.

As stated before, social anxiety is not a phobia that can be fixed overnight. For some people, it can take years to overcome their fears. However, parents can guide their teens down the path to an anxiety-free life by recognizing the problem and implementing techniques that dissolve their phobias.

Contributor: Melissa Miller spent many years working odd jobs before finally admitting it was time to get her www.associatedegreeonline.com. Now, she has sworn her life to helping others do the same by explaining the often tricky world of online education. She welcomes your questions and comments at melissamiller831@gmail.com.

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8 Tips to Relieve Homework Stress

After a long and relaxing summer getting back into schedule can sometimes be difficult. Adding homework to that equation can be a bit stressful.

Here are 8 tips to consider before school starts to help your school year go smoothly:

1. Offer encouragement. Give your child praise for efforts and for completing assignments.
2. Be available. Encourage your child to do the work independently, but be available for assistance.
3. Maintain a schedule. Establish a set time to do homework each day. You may want to use a calendar to keep track of assignments and due dates.
4. Designate space. Provide a space for homework, stocked with necessary supplies, such as pencils, pens, paper, dictionaries, a computer, and other reference materials.
5. Provide discipline. Help your child focus on homework by removing distractions, such as television, radio, telephone, and interruptions from siblings and friends.
6. Be a role model. Consider doing some of your work, such as paying bills or writing letters, during your child's homework time.
7. Be supportive. Talk to your child about difficulties with homework. Be willing to talk to your child's teacher to resolve problems in a positive manner.
8. Involvement. Familiarize yourself with the teacher's homework policy. Make sure that you and your child understand the teacher's expectations. At the beginning of the year, you may want to ask your child's teacher these questions: What kinds of assignments will you give? How often do you give homework? How much time are the students expected to spend on them? What type of involvement do you expect from parents?

Back to School: School Struggles

By Richard Selznick, PhD

From the author of The Shut-Down Learner, here is aid and comfort for parents of children having difficulty with school. Dr. Selznick offers perspective and understanding developed over his 25 years of working with thousands of academically struggling kids and their families.

Tackling topics like excessive use of technology, parental indulgence of children, students who have trouble getting organized, and the importance of patience, this book will be a godsend for families struggling with school and behavioral issues.

Follow Dr. Selznick on Twitter and join him on Facebook.

Order School Struggles today on Amazon.

A Teacher's Guide to SOCIAL MEDIA

From: OnlineColleges.net Join me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter for more information and educational articles on parenting today's teenagers.

Author Stacey Honowitz: My Private Parts Are Private

Schools are opening throughout the country.  Many kids will be walking or riding their bikes to school.  Stranger danger is still a very serious concern for kids of all ages and parents as well as our community.

My Private Parts are Private! (Book signing event see below)


Before your minds all go in the gutter, this is about teaching our children about sexual abuse and inappropriate touching.

As the fastest growing crime in the country, Child Sexual Abuse is a national problem.
“My Privates are Private” & “Genius with a Penis: Don’t Touch” aim to help parents educate their children in a fun and comfortable way.

Stacey Honowitz, author and Assistant Florida State Attorney who specializes in child abuse and sex crimes, is releasing her 2nd book titled, Genius with a Penis: Don’t Touch. With its colorful illustrations and rhymes, the book’s character, Bobby Boodle helps parents educate their children about their body parts, defines what good and bad touching is and explains what to do if children are touched inappropriately.

In 2009 her first hit book , My Privates are Private won acclaim for it’s unique story about a little girl named Betsy Boodle, now the second book reaches out to boys through the voice of Bobby Boodle.

Realizing what a problem child sexual abuse is and her belief that children have a voice too, inspired Stacey to advocate against such crimes. The self-published book is a result of this desire to help, and the author says, “finally parents and kids can talk about this difficult subject in a manner which is comfortable for both.”

The series empowers children to stand up for themselves if they’ve been abused. It puts both parents and children at ease when dealing with this delicate subject matter, and give parents the ability to communicate openly with their child about the importance of reporting abuse. The books are available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

Meet Stacy in person!

About the Author:

Stacey Honowitz, resident of South Florida, has worked with the Florida State Attorney’s Office Sex Crimes and Child Abuse Unit for 22 years. She appears regularly on CNN, MSNBC, Headline News, FOX News as a Legal Analyst and has been featured on Dateline NBC, CBS News 48 Hours, and Good Morning.
For more information contact: Stacey Honowitz at (786) 781- 8848 or staceybhonowitz@hotmail.com.

Stacey Honowitz will be signing book at Give Wink on August 25th, 10am – 6pm for a Back to School – One Stop Shop at Give Wink!  See the flyer on the side.

Call for more information.

3V Learning and your Teens

What is 3V Learning?

• We are a distance learning provider.
• We are your hub for high-quality training modules.
• We are entirely computer based.
• We are the new standard in distance learning.
• We are eager to discuss your training needs.
• We are excited about customer service.
• We are growing.
• We are 3V.

3V LEARNING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM

 

3V Learning was born out of a perceived need. L. Craig Turner, founder and President of 3V as well as CEO of Correctional Services Incorporated, for years searched for an effective solution to the need for relevant and time sensitive training for his staffs and associates. Also an education advocate, his search turned to the distance learning community and the opportunities it afforded for instant access to relevant training online. With this discovery, Craig saw too an opportunity to greatly improve and enhance the distance learning experience for users. Today, not only are his employees at CSI reaping the benefits of this style of training, 3V Learning has discovered its broad niche in the education community and is proudly bringing this powerful new training style to a diverse and growing audience.

 

The following individuals and/or groups have been retained to serve as 3V Learning’s Development and Review Team. Each course we offer as part of our curriculum has been subjected to a meticulous process of research and review by individuals with long histories and qualifications in fields related to the subject matter. We have great confidence in offering courses backed by the collective credentials of these groups or individuals, in the quality of information and training made available through them. If you have any questions or comments for any members of our team, please feel free to direct your inquiries to the team’s email inbox here.

Learn more.

Sue Scheff: Parenting Teens in a Positive Direction

School is opening throughout our country this month. It can be an exciting time for some and a trying time for others.

Having a successful school year is always a parent’s desire, however sometimes there are bumps and struggles. Especially if your child is in High School and preparing for their college applications, we need to be sure your teen is motivated in a positive direction.

I always encourage parents to find their child’s passion. It could be tennis, swimming, photography, baseball (sports), chess, fine arts, music, dance, or many other interests. Does your child show an interest in writing? Get them involved in the school newspaper or on the yearbook committee. Doe your child like politics? Look for groups and clubs within their school or outside and encourage them to join. Check your local library for a variety of clubs or groups.

A teen that is guided in a positive direction has a better chance at reaching their goals and developing their skills in their area of interest. It can also enhance their academic progress knowing they have a goal. I also recognize many teens don’t know what they want to be when they “grow up,” however many do have something they are passionate about.

One 15 year old,Danielle Herb, has taken her passion and reached heights that many only dream of. Her mother has been her inspiration and has encouraged Danielle to be all she can be.
Danielle Herb organized and runs Drop Your Reins, a program for kids with ADD/ADHD and Autism. She and her mother offer peaceful solutions for ADHD/ADD & Autistic Children using natural horsemanship. Visit Cheers Ranch on Amelia Island, Florida.

As a young teen, Danielle is driven, motivated and determined to do what she does best, relate with her horses and help others with her gift. Danielle herself is ADHD, and relates to the children she is helping and mentoring.

I understand this is an exceptional young woman, however your teen can be successful too. Find their passion – encourage them to get involved – be an involved parent – and don’t forget, these years go so fast, don’t waste a minute.

Be an educated parent; learn more about your teen and their goals. You may have a teen entrepreneur in your home and not realize it!

For more info: Community Service Education, College Board, Broward County Library, After School Activities, Connect with Kids, Education.com

Sue Scheff: Back to School - How to Ease Back to School Jitters

Another timely Blog from Parenting Expert, Michele Borba. Don't forget to order her new book - The Big Book of Parenting Solutions

By Dr. Michele Borba

How to Ease Back to School Jitters

REALITY CHECK: Heading back to school is exciting for a lot of kids but a bit traumatic for others. It’s only natural for children to feel a little anxious especially if you’ve just moved to town, are changing schools, repeating a grade, have never left mom’s side, are a shyer more sensitive child or didn’t have a successful experience last year. There are also big adjustments to make like: learning the school rules, finding your way around, getting on the right bus or getting along with other kids. And if you’re off to kindergarten for the first time there is an even bigger worry: “Will Mommy really come and pick me up?”

Though parents can’t be there to solve every problem and ease every worry there are things to help your child feel more secure and make those goodbye go smoother and less stressful. Here are solutions from my new book, The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries.

•Peruse the new surroundings. A week or so before the big send off, take him for a visit to the school so he can view his new surroundings and find those key places like his classroom, playground, school office, cafeteria, water fountain, lockers, and restroom. Keep in mind that a large campus can be intimidating-especially if your child has multiple classes in different locations. If possible obtain a map of the school (go online) and print out his class schedule. Then help him walk that campus until he feels secure. Just don’t over hype the tour (“What a gorgeous campus! You’re going to be soooooo happy here!”) You don’t want to build up expectations too much so as to disappoint him if things fall short of your build-up

•Check out those school rules. The more your child is aware of the school rules and rituals the more comfortable he’ll be when he arrives. See if the school has a website or stop by the school or district office and ask for school handbook. Then review it with your child. Find out the dress code, bell schedule, names of the principal and teachers, mascot, motto, and even mission statement. Many schools have websites which give online tours.

•Make one acquaintance. Knowing just one classmate can minimize first day jitters so if possible help your kid meet at least one peer. These two don’t have to become soul mates –just acquaintances! Do a little sleuthing at playgrounds and parks near the school to see if you can find a child who will be the same classroom, grade, or school. Ask parents, coaches, or check in at the local Boys and Girls Clubs. If your child takes a bus, ask neighbors for the name and address of a kid on the same route. If you can find a car pool with even one kid it will help your child feel more secure to go to school with someone instead of alone. And make sure your child knows the name of at least one adult to go to (the nurse, secretary, principal, teacher) for help or assurance.
•Create “goodbye” rituals. Rehearsing a goodbye can help a younger child feel more secure when the big moment really comes. Practice a special private “goodbye” between the two of you like a secret handshake or special kiss to help him start to pull away. Or try putting a special pebble or keychain with your photo in his pocket and explain that whenever he touches it means you’re thinking of him wherever you are. If your child is a little worry-wart, teach her to “talk back to her worry.” The simple tip can reduce anxiety. The child then names the feeling (“I’m scared”) and learns how to talk back to the fear so she is in charge of the worry and not the other way around. The trick is to have your child practice telling herself she’ll be okay to build confidence: “Go away worry, leave me alone. Mommy will come back.”

•Rehearse social scenarios. Set up pretend scenarios and role-play specific social problems, like how to meet someone, start up a conversation, ask if you can play in a game, or ask for help from a teacher. Kids learn social skills best if you show and not tell them what to do so practice one new skill at a time until your child feels comfortable. Anticipate concerns (“What if I can’t find the bus?” “How do I tell the teacher I have to go to the bathroom?” “How do I ask if I can play with them?”), then develop answers that appease your child.

•Point him to the “first thing.” Not knowing what to do or where to go upon arriving at a new scene increases anxiety. So offer “first thing” suggestions. For a young child it may be pointing her towards an activity she enjoys—like a puzzle or blocks. An older kid can go to the basketball courts that he enjoys or meet up with that acquaintance he meet at the park.

•Be cool, consistent and leave. A kid’s anxiety increases if you make too big of a deal about leaving or draw it out. So stay calm and show confidence in your child. A matter-of-fact goodbye “See you soon” is better than long-drawn out ones. Wearing an inexpensive watch marked with the exact time with a watercolor pen you’ll return can help. The key is to establish a consistent pattern of goodbyes that build your child’s confidence so she realizes she can make it through the time apart. And be sure you or your designated caregiver picks your child up when you said and at the exact spot you prearranged. If he cries when you pick him take it as a compliment! It usually means he’s delighted to see you—not that he hates school.



Adjustment may take from a day to several weeks, so be patient. The key is to watch for a gradual increase in confidence and a diminishment of those worries. If separation anxiety still continues, check in with the teacher to see if she has suggestions. Excessive clinginess may be a sign of separation anxiety disorder or another condition, so when in doubt, trust your instinct and consult with a trained mental health professional.



Follow Michele Borba on Twitter at @MicheleBorba

Sue Scheff: Changing Schools? Ease the Transition

Source: School Family - Your Go-to Guide for School Success

Ease the Transition to a New School

Tips to help make this big adjustment easier for your child—and for you.

by Patti Ghezzi

Your child’s first day at a new school is fast approaching, and she’s stressed out. Changing schools can be a tough adjustment for any kid, especially for an older child leaving behind lifelong friends. Here are some ways you can make the transition easier for your child.

Start Early

Visit the new school with your child as soon as know where he will be enrolling. If your child is old enough, include him in the process of choosing a new school.

Start looking for ways for your child to meet kids at her new school. Network through the parent organization, your real estate agent, your spouse’s or your new employer, and any other connection you can find.

Once you have a few leads, a social networking site like Facebook can help you connect with even more parents.

Don’t overwhelm or push your child into meeting new friends. Just let her know you’re there to help if she wants you to.

Look for activities in your new community similar to ones your child currently pursues. If your son enjoys martial arts, try to find a comparable program. If your daughter is on the swim team, try to get her onto a new team as soon as possible.

If your child wants a fresh start, suggest new activities he might enjoy.

Work With the School

If your child has any special needs, such as a learning disability, work with the new school as far in advance as possible to determine placement and to line up services.

If your child is in a gifted program, find out the process for getting him into the gifted program at his new school. Different states have different policies, and you might need to have your child tested or retested.

If your child has a history of struggling in school, work with the principal ahead of time to line up support, even if your child does not currently have an individualized education program.
Check out the curriculum at your new school. If your child has not learned some of the material she is expected to know, make arrangements to fill in the gaps. This is especially important if you are moving to a different state.

Talk to your child about differences at the new school, such as a tougher homework policy or a different grading scale.

Be Positive

Talk about all the things the new school has to offer. Maybe it has an outdoor classroom, an indoor pool, or a well-stocked art room.

Remind your child often that new friends don’t replace old ones. Make arrangements for her to visit her old friends if possible. If your child is old enough, help her connect with her friends online, under your supervision.

If your child is reluctant about making new friends, consider counseling.

Give your child time to adjust to the new school.

Get Involved

Join the parent organization.

Make friends with other parents, but don’t expect your child to automatically become friends with their children.

Look for other ways to get involved in the community, such as a religious congregation, the YMCA, or a neighborhood club.

Talk to your child about how you miss your friends and former community, too, and about ways you both can adjust.

Give yourself time. It can be hard, especially if the principal has a different leadership style than at your child’s former school or if your child is struggling academically or socially. Even if your child adjusts beautifully, you may still miss the old school.

Making the leap from one school to another is tough, even for an effervescent child who has always done well in school. If you have multiple kids or older children, or your kids have never switched schools before, the move can be downright hard. But it’s important to focus on the good that is coming from the move. Let your family know that the change has the potential to be great for everybody.

Follow School Family on Twitter @SchoolFamily

Academic Pressure

School is open - Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff) - we are getting lots of calls about their kids underahieving. Here are some great tips for parents with helping their teens academically.

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Back to School Tips for Teens and Tweens

Some great articles and websites to get your kids ready for school! As a parent advocate, (Sue Scheff) this is one of the busiest times of the years - not only for kids, but the parents with the preparation for school or college!

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