The Real Parenting Show

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Welcome to The Real Parenting Show with Dr. Pete & Sara… a pediatric psychologist and a mom teaming up to provide straightforward advice and practical tips for real parents raising real kids in the real world. We’re happy you’re listening…

This week, we discuss going Back To School. Whether you’re sending your child to Kindergarten for the first time or to college for the last time, August is always a transitional month for families as the summer comes to an end and school starts back up again. Dr. Pete offers these tips and more in this podcast on how to make that transition a little easier for everyone.

1. Start operating closer to a school schedule as the first day approaches. Summertime bedtimes can creep later and later, so start moving them back in the other direction a few weeks before school starts. Get kids – and yourselves! – going in the morning a little earlier each day.
2. Discuss school in positive terms, don’t add to any negative feelings they may have about summer being over.
3. If your child seems worried or stressed, try to get them to open up about the reasons behind it. It’s perfectly natural for kids to be nervous, even if they’re going to the same school with the same friends as in years past.
4. Attend the Meet The Teacher or your school’s Open House in advance of the first day. This is a great way to reduce stress, and can help get kids excited for a new year.
5. Don’t leave everything until the last minute. Shop early for supplies and new clothing.
6. Help them get their rooms cleaned up and organized to start the year off right.
7. If stress is severe, consider discussing it with your child’s teacher or a professional. If bullying has been a problem in the past, you may have to deal with his/her fears about it happening again. Stay on top of this issue and don’t hesitate to get the school administrators involved once school starts.

Please note, nothing on The Real Parenting Show should be construed as professional psychological advice specific to you or your child. If you have concerns for anyone in your family, it’s important to make an appointment with a licensed mental health professional in your local area. Thanks for reading our blog and we hope you listen each week to The Real Parenting Show with Dr. Pete & Sara… and remember, even though you may not always feel like it, you are the most influential person in your child’s life! If you have any questions or topics you’d like to suggest for future shows, please comment on this blog or call 877.980.2828. We’ll see you next time for more straightforward advice and practical tips for real parents raising real kids in the real world.

Dr. Pete and Sara are also the co-authors of Stress-Free Potty Training, A Commonsense Guide To Finding The Right Approach For Your Child (AMACOM Books, 2008). Check out our website, www.StressFreePottyTraining.com, for more information.

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