For some of you (ahem) lucky parents and kids, you may not start school until after Labor Day. If that’s the case, here are some tips to make it easier to slide into the new school year unscathed. Seeing as my kids are already into their third week of school, we’re already onto bigger and better problems, like how they’re already bored with what they’re taking for lunch and how the bus is so darn hot (can you believe there is NO air condition on the buses in Arizona!?).
America’s psychologist, Dr. Jeff Gardere, offers these suggestions on easing into the school routine:
1. Moderate transition
For parents & kids it is important that they transition moderately into the back-to-school experience instead of waiting until the last minute. That means shop for clothes, school supplies and computers at least a week or so before school begins, in order to minimize the stress of the shopping rush. If you’re already behind, regiment out an easy-to-do plan to eliminate the looming stress.
2. New school jitters
For kids attending a new school for the first time (this can be a difficult for many children), parents should take them to the school, practice the traveling route, scout out safe havens and do this prior to school opening. This will calm everyone’s opening school jitters.
3. What about separation anxiety?
On the first day of school, parents can minimize their and their younger children’s separation anxiety by bringing them into school, saying hi to the teacher and parking them with other kids they may know. The teachers will tell you when it is time to leave. Do so promptly without extended or exaggerated good byes. This will allow the kids to jump into their new routines quicker with fewer boundaries and fuss.
4. Finally, tap into natural wellness to manage your stress and that of your child
Lower stress by incorporating natural frequency technology. Watches like Philip Stein 
have low level healing frequencies that will increase you and your child’s resonating frequencies (electrical impulses of the body) which can make you both more resilient to the stress associated with school and life in general. The technology is featured in the FRUITZ WATCHES line, perfect for kids. The great thing about the watch is that you don’t have to explain to your child exactly how it works (unless they are old enough to understand). Just let them know it will help keep them energized and calm.
Dr. Jeff Gardere, better known as America’s Psychologist, is one of the most widely sought-after experts in the field of mental health. For over 30 years, Dr. Jeff has been providing focused professional attention to individuals; families and couples in distress – helping people get their lives back on track. He is a monthly columnist for Sister 2 Sister Magazine, has a series called “Dad Camp” premiering on VH1 and is a regular guest on The NBC Today Show, CNN, MSNBC, The CBS Early Morning Show and Fox News.
