By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

PREPARATION BY PARENTS CAN EASE FIRST GRADER’S SCHOOL ANXIETY

Question: My son is starting school this fall. He’ll be in the first grade at a public elementary school. He’s seems nervous about it. Though he’s been in a pre-school kindergarten, the jump to first grade appears daunting. What can I do to help him adjust to this new phase in his life?

Answer: Thanks for this timely question. The school year will be starting in just a few short weeks in many parts of North America. It’s not uncommon at this time of year for children and parents to become a little anxious as they begin dealing with the annual back-to-school ritual of buying school clothes and supplies. When a child is experiencing what is called “school anxiety,” the approach of the school year can be particularly challenging. School anxiety is very common, particularly when a child is just starting school or adjusting to a new school.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do now to make the first day of classes -- and the rest of the year -- go more smoothly. First, visit the school with your son. Make arrangements to do that now, before that hectic first day of classes. That way your son can become familiar with the location of his classroom, the lunchroom and the playground. You can take advantage of the visit to meet your son's principal and teachers.

If your son rides a bus to school, make sure he knows the pick-up and drop-off points as well as basic safety rules, including the proper way to walk along or cross any streets between the bus stop and home.

You can help ease your child's apprehension about school by stressing the positive benefits. Try to instill in him a love of learning, and be sure he knows why it's important to get an education.

One way to do that is to take an interest in learning yourself. If your child sees you reading at home or taking an interest in school projects, you'll be fostering the idea that learning is important in your family.

When you meet the teacher, talk with her or him about the amount of homework your child will receive. Then, set up a household schedule that allows for homework time every night. Provide a comfortable, quiet place for your child to do his homework.

Finally, all parents should take time to tell their sons and daughters how proud they are of them and the work they do at school. Part of every parent's pledge should be to accept your children for who they are -- nurture those qualities that make each child special and take every step you can to help them improve in areas of weakness. But, don’t be afraid to discipline them with love -- firm but kind -- when they need it.

If you want more tips on coping with school anxiety, I’d recommend taking a look at the following Web address: http:// school.familyeducation.com/back-to-school/anxiety/38699.html.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.