HEALTH FILE

MAKE THE TIME TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT GOING BACK TO SCHOOL

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Returning to school, or going to school for the first time can be an exciting yet stressful time for both kids and their parents. This year, even more so as students head back after months and months of online learning.

The Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) reminds parents to take time in between buying new clothes and school supplies to check in on their child’s feelings – as well as their own.

“By regularly talking with your kids you not only develop a strong trusting relationship, you are in a position to help your children make positive choices resulting in healthy activities and friendships,” said Dr. Doug Saunders. “The ‘new beginnings’ associated with going back to school is an ideal time for parents to start talking with their children about what is going on in their lives.”

Studies show that as children get older, the time they spend talking with their parents drops dramatically. But with regular communication children are more apt to listen to important parental messages which will improve the quality of parent-child relationships, and help protect against dangerous behaviours such as alcohol abuse and early sexual activity. Being involved in your child’s life can be a bigger factor in his or her success than money or education. So taking the time to listen to your children as they begin a new school year is an essential investment in their futures.

The OPA has the following tips for parents:

• Make the time to talk to your kids about going back to school. Ask them what they are feeling – and let them know how you are feeling, too.

• Be an active listener – when your children are talking, listen. Be interested in what they have to say and focus on their feelings (rather than yours) when you are talking.

• Emphasize the positive things about going back to school like seeing old friends (or making new ones) and learning new things.

• Try to transition your child into a consistent school-night routine one or two weeks before school starts.

• Consider adjusting your own schedule so that you are home at the end of the school day for the first week. Many working parents do not have that flexibility so try to arrange your evenings so that can give your child as much attention as he or she needs.

• Resolve to eat dinner together as a family a few times a week. This is a good time to find out what your child has been up to – inside and outside of school.

Contact the Canadian Psychological Association at 888-472-0657 or visit www.cpa.ca.

• Article courtesy: Ontario Psychological Association.