School mornings Without the Stress
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The new school year brings many challenges for both parents and children, especially after a long summer break or any other kind of school break.
Transitions are hard, it is even more difficult for children who have mental health issues or learning disabilities.
For example, children who have Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism and sensory processing issues might have struggles following directions or staying on task with what they need to do.
Ways to make mornings easier to avoid conflicts:
Plan ahead - Pack lunches, take showers, choose the clothes they will wear to school the next morning the evening before.
Use Visual Prompts
Break the tasks down – depending on the child’s age and ability, use pictures to show the child what is next and keep a consistent schedule.
Create incentives – this might be an immediate treat or meaningful rewards.
Expect temper tantrums - Stay calm, as parent arguments are distracting and can damage the parent/child relationship.
Parents can deescalate the situation by:
Talking in a calm voice.
Giving simple, clear instructions and expectations.
Praise good transitions – by focusing on the small efforts made by the child rather than what they are not doing right.
Sleep Schedule – Be consistent as a family and keep to a good sleep schedule.
Make sure both parents and children are sleeping the required hours. This helps your child to be fully rested, wake up in a better mood, and be able to concentrate and have a better day at school.
Child Mind Institute: School Mornings without Stress: Retrieved from: https://childmind.org/article/school-mornings-without-the-stress/
How Can We Help Kids with Transitions? Retrieved from: https://childmind.org/article/how-can-we-help-kids-with-transitions/
By, Jane King. Licensed Professional Counselor. (LPC), CCMG Kid Clinic
The CCMG Kid Clinic is a school-based pediatric clinic in Gillette, Wyoming. The medical clinic serves children ages 2 weeks to 21 years old; and counseling services are provided for children 4 years old to 21 years old.
The clinic sees patients with immediate needs, such as strep throat or the flu and provides primary and follow-up care for conditions requiring ongoing treatment. Counseling services are provided for a variety of issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, divorce or parenting concerns.
The Kid Clinic is located at 702 South Kendrick, just east of Twin Spruce Junior High School. Call 307-688-8700 to make an appointment.
