Back to School Blues: 9 Ways to Help Your Tween Go Back to School with Ease

It’s almost that time again…the transition to a new school year. This can be a time of joy and excitement for some and it can also be a time of dread, panic and worry for many parents and students alike. Tweens are especially vulnerable given this stage of development. They are typically moving up to middle school/junior high and facing new social and academic challenges. If you’re hoping to help ease your tween back into the idea of going to school and also help him or her find more enjoyment out of the entire experience, than you will find that there are specific things parents can do. Here are some great ways to beat those “back to school blues”! Back to the basics: Resting/sleeping well, eating healthy and exercise are basics that sometimes get a little “off” during the summer months. It is vital for tweens to start rolling back their bedtimes to a schedule that better mimics what they will be doing during the school year. Lack of sleep and disrupted sleep can be one of the leading causes of inadequate coping/stress management, poor frustration tolerance and irritability. This may mean setting firmer limits with electronics and “screens” by having your tween give these up as bedtime approaches. Get your tween eating more whole foods, fruits and vegetables and complete meals. This will nourish your tween so they have the physical energy and mental stamina to get through their school day. Lastly, get your tween moving! Go for walks, hikes, swi...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anxiety Caregivers Children and Teens Parenting School Issues Self-Help Sleep Students back to school bullying Child Development Life Changes Peer pressure school anxiety School Bully Source Type: news