by Natalie Powell

Created on: August 21, 2009

The "back to school blues" is threatening to step back into our lives! Does it feel as though the summer break is simply not long enough? Yes, we all tend to mourn those last few days and begin to feel that back to school dread sneaking back into our routines; but does it have to be that way? Are we simply doomed to replay the same blue tune this year? Why not switch things around and create some new ideas about going back to school? It is simple to do.

Can you remember the excitement felt when anticipating something we predict will be fabulous fun? While school does not compare to a trip to a theme park, there isn't any reason why we should anticipate it to be any less of an adventure. Share some of your own favorite stories about your school years or discuss some exciting new parts of the curriculum in the upcoming school year. Infectious enthusiasm can make all the difference and it begins with you. Spread that enthusiasm like peanut butter and jelly!

Don't underestimate the power of a parents influence on the attitude of children about learning and school. Motivating a teen may be more of a challenge but more often than not they are looking forward to seeing friends they have missed over the summer. It is not unusual for some anxiety to place a shadow of blues over the start of the upcoming school year. The root of those "back to school blues" can be found in the great unknown and feared unfamiliarity. A get-together with some friends before the school year starts can dispel some of that angst for any age group.

Creating a motivating reward to ease back into the school routine can be a key to unwinding some of those "back to school blues." Your children can create some rewards for obtaining goals for that first day. "Make two new friends" or "help someone else find their way to class" are simple goals that are obtainable on a first day. Let them plan a celebration dinner for the evening of the first day of school so they can regale their first day. Make it a grand event and remember there are probably only going to be twelve "first days" in their lifetime.

There are the "hard and fast" guidelines which set us all up for a successful school year. Start resuming that bedtime routine well before school starts. Eating healthy is essential to that goal as well but don't forget to get those school supplies ahead of time. Kids will ruminate over whether they have everything they need and you'd be surprised how affordable cool school supplies can be. Busy

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>