NewBridge, a non-profit 501(c)(3), is dedicated to helping people find balance in their lives by providing affordable and innovative behavioral health and education programs
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NewBridge Offers Tips to Make Back to School Stress Free
Pompton Plains, NJ - August 18, 2004 - With a new school year around the corner, NewBridge Services, a community provider of premier health and education programs and services, provides tips to help make back-to-school stress free for children and parents alike. While a new school experience is sure to cause first-time school jitters, it is important to remember that it is normal for children and teens to have ambivalent feelings and for parents to have mixed feelings. By preparing for these emotions, parents can help their children and themselves reduce back to school stress.
"For both parents and kids, anticipating change can make the difference between settling in easily or experiencing distress," said Michelle Borden, Associate Executive Director, NewBridge Services. "You can reduce the impact of stress and motivate and excite your child for the transition back to school by preparing yourself and your family well ahead of the first day."
With the new school year quickly approaching, NewBridge Services offers the following tips to make "Back to School" stress free:
- Talk to your child about the new experience…share in the excitement of the opportunities ahead.
- Try to be as encouraging and positive as possible, kids don't need to worry about how their parents are going to handle them going off to school.
- Be a good listener -- it allows your child to express his feeling. It is also important to be supportive and talk about past successes.
- Set aside time to talk about school: academic goals, interests, friends, expectations, rules, homework time, getting organized and accomplishments. Talking will help your children feel more comfortable about the changes they are about to experience.
- Make sure your children know the after-school procedure. Are they riding the bus home? Do they know their bus number and bus driver? Are you picking them up at school? Also, if applicable, be sure to get to know the crossing guards in the neighborhood.
- Sit down with your children and make a list of what back to school supplies are needed, involve your children in picking out materials and clothing in their favorite colors and styles. Helping your children become motivated and excited will help them adjust more easily and result in a more enjoyable school experience.
- Help your children recognize fears and face them. Listen to what your children say. Talk about their excitement and their anxieties, emphasize the benefits of school.
- Every child needs to feel love and support from home when faced with new situations. Build self-esteem through support and praise.
- Find some fun ways to ease the transition --have a back-to-school party with your children's friends at the end of the summer with school supplies like book bags and book covers as goodie bags. Take pictures each year of the first day of school and then review them every year (compare them to any you might have of yourself or siblings).
Parents of college freshman may also be in new territory and may be experiencing the normal back-to-school jitters as well as facing a new set of firsts - first time away from home, first time living alone.
NewBridge Services offers the following tips for parents of college freshmen:
- Visit the college campus with your child before the big move to learn the location of the residence halls, dining halls, classrooms, student health center and library. Parents can even take the opportunity to reminisce -- but just a bit -- about their own college days.
- Make sure your child knows the door to your home is always open. Your child's probably not thinking about it now so plant the seed of what to do in case homesickness sets in later.
- Keep the channels of communication open without hovering. Set up a call schedule. Discuss how often you'll want to talk on the phone or via e-mail. Be sure to have your own e-mail address and IM handle so you can easily stay in touch with your college student.
- Let your child know you'd be glad to come up for Parents Weekend, homecoming, or whenever parents typically visit. But respect your child's autonomy and don't assume you are wanted. Ask first. Chances are your child will realize your visit carries some benefits like new clothes or special dinners out.
- Does your teen's college departure result in an empty nest? The "empty nest" syndrome may feel like the end of one of the most important love relationships in your life. It may have an impact almost as profound as that of a divorce or a death, without ever having the chance to articulate feelings of grief and loss. Be honest about what you are feeling and talk to someone - your spouse, friend, or a professional.
Transitions are hard for everyone. If you find that you need someone to talk to, help is only a phone call away at NewBridge.
About NewBridge Services
NewBridge Services, Inc., a non-profit community organization founded in 1963, provides innovative mental health, substance abuse, housing, children’s and senior services and education programs. Whether dealing with stress, grief, or substance abuse or in need of parenting, relationship or caregiving advice, NewBridge offers counseling programs, educational forums and life-enriching services to help people bring balance to their lives. For more information call 973-839-2520 or click here.
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