Back to school anxiety can cause some kids to relieve emotional tension by bullying their parents. When anxiety spikes, many kids start to discharge emotional tension by bullying their parents.As the worrisome day approaches, they may even morph into tiny tyrants. The more vulnerable and self-doubting children and teenagers feel, the more erratic and unstable they can become. And so the risk of the, becoming tyrant increases. That's why, here are five ways to reduce that risk. 1. Increase exercise Studies have shown that a cardio workout three times a week reduces anxiety up to 70 percent. If your kid has had a sloth-like summer, get him moving ASAP. The more tension he discharges through exercise, the less he'll discharge by bullying you. 2. Stabilize sleep schedule Vampire-like sleep schedules are not uncommon for kids during summer. Your creature of the night will have a serious case of the grumpies when her waking hours have to shift back to the daytime. Do whatever it takes to get your kid back on a consistent sleep schedule a week or two before school starts to avoid the sleep-deprived crazes. 3. Organize the calendar Structure soothes anxiety. As much as you can, get everything ready: review the class schedule (hanging it in the bedroom is a good idea), take a trip to school, help your kid reconnect with friends and formulate a plan together for the first week-when you'll eat breakfast, when you'll head to bed, etc. This kind of scheduling may seem mundane, but creating a framework together will help your kid chill-out when anxiety strikes. 4. Validate concerns As the first day of school approaches, expect some moodiness and irritability. Maintain your leadership, and don't become over-reactive or escalate conflicts. Validate your kids concerns by listening and staying positive. Craft your communications to sooth anxieties rather than amplify them. 5. Prepare yourself You've prepared your kid, now prepare yourself. Good childcare requires a heavy dose of self-care. Make sure you're not suffering from parent burnout. Get enough sleep, see friends that energize you, step out of your parent role and have some fun with your partner. You'll have more patience, more humor and more flexibility. And remember, with your kids heading back to school, soon you'll have your life back, too!
