School

With just about every child in the northeast about to start school this week or next … It got me thinking about all the students and what they endure before the year starts … And how they transition once they do start the year …

A lot of students get anxious and nervous.. Anxiety of getting lost in the building if the school is new, the possibility of being bullied , the fear of having a subject that they struggle with, the way they look. There are many anxieties….These are just a few.

I know with my own kids ..I just let them think about all of this .. I make sure they know they have someone to go to if they have a problem while at school.. I make sure I have at least 5 contacts within the building that I know will help if my kid comes to them ..I also remind the kids that I have no problem making a phone call or shooting off an email to someone at the school if they need my support …

Sometimes your kids just need to know that someone is there for them .. “I got your back “…

If you really think about it … Our kids are in that building all day .. 7 hours .. So this place needs to be comfortable to them ..

And for some children – School is better than being home .. Sometimes home isn’t such a good place ..At school they get 2 meals and they have a safe roof over their heads ..

I have dealt with all kinds of emotions that my kids have come home from school with … I’ve heard “I hate it there, the teachers don’t seem to know me , the kids are annoying  , I saw a cock roach (local Kingston hs humor),  “.. I’ve heard it all ..

What it comes down to is… You need to keep on top of what your child is dealing with, make sure you support them and console them if need be, and contact the school if you think they can help with any problems.

Be respectful to the staff of the school because they are also under a ton of pressure and they don’t need anyone screaming at them .

The key factor is that your child is there for the purpose of getting a good education in a safe environment …

Dont let the small stuff bother you and don’t complain too much in front of your kids because it rubs off on their attitude and demeanor towards school …

Make some “dates” with your kids after school to listen to what they have to say about school. Having a date planned also gives your child something to look forward to while they are sitting there for 7 hours..

And remember – Everything will be ok …