Family anxiety is on the rise as preparations begin to get ready for children to start school.
Lifestyle coach Kim Townsend said while children could be anxious, it was often the parents who were most stressed about this time of year.
“The best thing that you can do for your child is to stay calm, yet excited,” said Ms Townsend.
“Starting school is a big milestone for parents and kids alike,” she said.
“How you child responds to this exciting time is dependent on the the mum’s, and dad’s, are coping with it themselves.”
“We all want the best for our children and we often do not realise how our own fears and anxieties can be inadvertently detrimental to them.”
“Starting big school is often with mixed emotions.”
“It is exciting when the kids look so cute in their new uniforms and we see them growing up.”
“Then as parents, on the first day in particular, the fears of them missing home, not fitting in or getting bullied kicks in.”
“The children do not even know these things exist, but pick up on your anxiety. And react.”
Ms Townsend said there were 5 simple steps to make it a great day for all.
• Preparation – talk positively about the first day at school and school in general, prior to starting.
• Practice – getting ready and going to school, unwrapping lunches, tying shoe laces.
• Reinforce all the great things about school – playing, drawing, singing and new friends.
• Manage your own feelings – it is a day for your child to start the next part of their life’s journey not a day of sadness that they won’t be with you. If they see you upset, they will get upset.
• Leave as soon as the teacher says you can – Your child is in expert hands. Stay positive, confident and wish them a great day.Reinforce all the great things about school – playing, drawing, singing and new friends.
The best way to make it a great start to their school experience and at any time, is to be a role model.
“New experiences are something to get excited about, not to fear,” says Ms Townsend.
“Just in all areas of life our fears can get in our own way and this can be transferred to our children.”
Ms Townsend, founder of Bucket List Coaching, helps women to embrace change to create their ultimate lifestyle.
Through individual coaching she works with you to get clear on your goals, understand where you are at now and create a strategy that builds the bridge to manage better day to day or make your dreams a reality.
