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"Handling School Jitters"Perhaps you remember your first day of high school or college. Do you remember having the jitters so bad you thought you'd just die? Well, for modern children the pressure gets worse. Greater demands on clothing, hairstyles, friends and social groups make transitioning from one school to another almost unbearable. All the first days are the same whether your child is in Kindergarten, transferring to Middle School, High School, or College. First day jitters, and new adjustments are often overwhelming. Some children even get worked up into an anxiety attack, complete with racing heart and panicked breathing. So how do you prepare your child or young adult with some sense of security? First, you might present them with a small item of gift; like a rabbit foot that you rub your special onto. So that, if they get upset, all they have to do is to hold that rabbit foot and they will feel your love. If it's an older teen that is upset, simply teach him or her the 'three deep breaths' routine. It really works as oxygen enters the lungs and on exhale, removes all tension. Then again, if your 18-year-old is off to college for the first time, you may have to put some extra effort into the process and fill his luggage with small artifacts with notes from you, perhaps a coffee mug with a special saying, a silk pillow case with a note, a lighted key chain, a police whistle or a series of loving cards, all of which remind youth that your spirit is with them. Be sure to watch for signs of weary sadness or agitated apprehension if your child is stressed or having difficulty with the adjustment. If your young adult is far away at college, send special relaxing teas and bath salts. If your primary school child is stressed at school, place a special bulletin board in the kitchen or bedroom and let them use the chalkboard to list out what annoys them, after all, it's a bit more private if you write it rather than speak it. If preschoolers get upset at day school, emotions can be expressed by choosing different facial stickers to place on an easel board. This way, your child can alert you about his or her feelings in a playful way that opens up communication. Regardless of the age of your charge, leaving a familiar setting and going onto new endeavors is an exciting but scary prospect. It also takes time to adjust. So, why not lighten the path by planting sentiments from home. It really helps. Many Hugs Dr. Felicia the ParentCoach
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