Back to School Tips for Kids – How can you tell if you’re child is handling Back to School season well? I spoke to licensed psychotherapist to get
some back to school tips for kids.
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Back to School Tips for Kids
Lisa LaGrou of Oakland County Moms – What can parents and teachers do to keep their child motivated in school?
Licensed psychotherapist Mia Ozair – This is the million dollar question! Unfortunately there is no stock answer that applies to all kids. Some children are more intrinsically motivated (self-motivated) while others are extrinsically motivated (external sources–like consequences and rewards from teachers and parents). A child’s motivation is highly individualized and teachers and parents hold the challenge of identifying the magic factors for each child. Obviously a child who is motivated to learn is a much simpler child to work with as he or she will want to succeed for him or her own satisfaction. However, for the child requiring a bit more
Lisa LaGrou of Oakland County Moms – What Back to School tips for kids do you have to encourage students to feel comfortable always going to a parent or teacher with a problem?
Licensed psychotherapist Mia Ozair – Trust takes time to develop and in order for a student to trust a teacher or a child to trust a parent he or she needs to feel that problems will be addressed fairly and without judgment. This happens through caring interaction and small “deposits” in the relationship over time. Hopefully, if something comes up the child/student will feel confident enough that the adults in his or her life will be there to help.
Lisa LaGrou of Oakland County Moms – Students seem to thrive within structured environments. What can parents do to have the same success at home so everything can get done and without meltdowns?
Licensed psychotherapist Mia Ozair – Well, there are no guarantees for getting everything done without meltdowns, however a set schedule of activities after school can certainly help! I encourage parents to discuss a schedule with the child and then print it up nicely and hang it up where it can be referenced. The time between after school and lights out should include downtime to just hangout and decompress from the day, snack/dinner, bath/shower, homework, reading time, after school activity, etc.. You may include some screen time but best to limit it. If the child and parent are on the same page about how the time will be spent then there is a better chance of it happening peacefully.
Lisa LaGrou of Oakland County Moms – What Back to School tips for kids do you have for easing a student into a new school environment, e.g. after a move, when entering kindergarten, moving to middle school or junior high?
Licensed psychotherapist Mia Ozair – Again, in these cases I recommend constant communication and checking in with the child. Lots of love and support, offers for help academically or socially. The school can facilitate introducing the new child to current students for out-of-school connection. These types of transitions can be very stressful on a child so it is important to observe your child closely for any sense of overload from the changes.
ABOUT MIA ADLER OZAIR
Mia Adler Ozair is a clinically licensed psychotherapist with a private practice in Los Angeles, California . In addition to her ten-plus years of experience as a therapist, she has over 20 years of expertise in the worlds of education, non-profit organizations, and public speaking. She is a professional writer who recently released, “Insider’s Secrets: How to Choose an Exceptional Therapist (and How to Avoid the Bad Ones).” For more information please visit her linkedin page.
OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS EDUCATION ARTICLES
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