Easing Parent Concerns

Particularly if this is your first child, school entry can be an anxious time for parents as well as children. Try to keep your own anxiety in check-children can usually sense when their parents are upset and may become worried themselves. If you feel worried, talk to friends and relative who have been through it before, or consult someone you trust at church, at school, etc. You may have reason for concern if you notice any of the following:

• Your child is resistant to riding the bus or going to school in the morning, particularly if this behavior does not improve after the first few weeks.
• Your child is extremely reluctant to talk about school or becomes upset when you ask questions.
• The work that your child brings home seems quite different from what you expect or have seen from your older children when they were the same age.
• Your child directly expresses fear or a high degree of frustration about school work or relationships with other children.
• Your child's sleep and eating habits change and continue to cause concern for more than a few weeks.
• Your child seems to regress after starting the school year-exhibiting more immature behavior, language, bedwetting, etc.
• Your child's teacher expresses concern about learning or behavior

If any of these warning signs occur, do not fear the worst! Usually some early adjustment difficulties are just that, and with some extra support and patience, children will develop a more comfortable adjustment to school. Maintaining close communication with your child's teacher will often head off problems and is a key ingredient for a positive school experience. Other sources for information and support include:

•  The school principal

•  The reading specialist or Title One teacher

•  The school psychologist, counselor, or social worker

•  The school nurse (particularly if you notice any changes in health, sleeping, eating, etc.)

•  Community child development specialists

•  Your family physician

•  Religious leaders

If consulting with these professionals does not resolve your child's difficulties or your own anxieties, request a more formal discussion and possibly evaluation. Schools have teams of support professionals to help identify and solve problems to help ensure a positive experience for all children!

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