August Newsletter 2022

Teri Ann Cox
Executive Director of The Children’s Center

Dear Center Families,

I know it’s just the beginning of August, but maybe like me, you are starting to think about your child’s “back to school” transition, which could mean stepping up to a new classroom or stepping into a brand-new school. For me, I have a son leaving home and starting his freshman year at college (when did that happen?). For my situation, I wonder what I can do to support him (and myself!) on move in day and during his first few months as a new college student.

What I know for sure is that managing my own stress and emotions during this time of transition is as important as the top recommendations from the “Grown and Flown” experts. In the case of school age children, setting your child’s sleep schedule back to “school time” two weeks before the first day of school is highly recommended. (We did this for years, and it really does help!) Also, remembering how we respond to the unexpected and deal with our own worry, directly impacts our sons and daughters. In the past “back to school” newsletters, I have referenced Lynn Lyons, a therapist who helps parents manage anxiety. She suggests focusing on what we can control and coming up with solutions to known problems. She says, “There’s a big difference between worry and problem solving. Worry does not help or protect your family. Focus on what is within your control, come up with solutions, and work on letting go of the rest.”

If you follow us on social media, watch out for our post of P.S. Did You Know later in the month, which will feature back to school ideas for new kindergarteners specifically. And if you are looking for even more ideas, go to Care.com where they have published their “101 Back to School Tips” for kids and parents.

https://www.care.com/c/stories/3192/101-back-to-school-tips-for-kids-and-parents/

All the best,

Teri Ann