The first day of school always comes with an overwhelming number of different emotions. Students can feel happy, excited, anxious, nervous, stressed, sad, and even scared. Here are some risk factors to look out for in your child or teen:

•      Not wanting to go to school
•       Physical complaints (stomach hurting, headache, nausea, vomiting)
•       Frequent nurse visits
•       Not turning in assignments
•       Declining grades
•       Avoiding social groups
•       Skipping classes or school
•       Complaints of bullying
•       Sleep or eating changes
•       Mood swings
•       Disinterest in favorite activities
•       Panic or anxiety attacks
•       Self-harm

As parents how can we help our children and teens cope and make sure they have a successful academic year? Below we have some tips for you!

1. Organize, organize, organize!

• Children thrive on structure and organization. Create a visual schedule for them to follow. Include important due dates, school events, and when extracurricular activities will occur. Allow them to add what is important! Giving them an idea of what to expect during the school year may not give anxiety a chance to grow.

2. Positive affirmations to build confidence

• Load your child up with positive affirmations they can remember all day long! Encourage them to face difficult challenges, work through strong emotions, and build up their self-esteem. Some examples of positive affirmations include: “I can do hard things!” “I believe in myself and my goals,” “Obstacles help me grow and learn,” and “It is okay if I make mistakes.”

3. Help them emotionally ground

• Using grounding techniques can help your child or teen in times of stress and distress. The five senses grounding technique is our favorite! Have your child describe 5 things they see, 4 things they feel, 3 things they hear, 2 things they smell, and 1 thing they can taste. This can help them get back into the present moment and feel a sense of calm. You can also practice deep breathing and use sensory toys or fidgets as well.

4. Create a routine

• Remember how we said children thrive on structure? Well, here is another way you can provide that. Create a morning, after school, or evening routine (you can do all three!). Creating a predictable routine can give your child a sense of stability. Meditate, read a book, go to the park, create a silly dance, make a funny song, have a calming lavender bath, or set aside time to cuddle. Be sure to build 8 hours of sleep into their routine. Having a simple routine can help your child during times of transition.

5. Positive reinforcement goes a long way!

• Imagine going to work and not getting paid. Would you still go? Luckily, children can feel rewarded by something much smaller (and cheaper) than your average paycheck. Provide options of what they can earn for different behaviors at school, specific grades on assignments, or managing their homework load! Watch a new movie, get them their favorite ice cream, fruit, or candy, take them to a water park, or give them an extra hour of video games. Reward the choices you appreciate.

6. Be specific about the struggles your child or teen has

• If your student struggles with particular subjects or skills, inform their teachers about what will help them. Providing your child’s teachers with tools that you know work for your child will increase their chance for a successful year.

7. Get involved with the academic team for your child or teen

• If your student struggles academically despite your efforts, maybe setting them up with an academic plan is the next step. Speak to the guidance counselor or resource officer about psychological testing or tutoring options. Having an individualize education plan (IEP) or 504 plan can be extremely helpful in ensuring your child’s success in school.

Dr. Lisa Saponaro works within Broward County and offers academic testing and parent training along with counseling for children, teens, and parents at the Center for Psychological Growth and Wellness in South Florida. Located in the heart of Plantation, the center is easily accessible from Davie, Sunrise, Weston, Fort Lauderdale, Cooper City, and Southwest Ranches. We can help set up you and your children for academic success and so much more!