Coffee with the Counselor-May THE HOME STRETCH! How to help your Child/Adolescent/Teen prepare for the last weeks of school with confidence!!! Coffee with the Counselor-May

The end of the school year… As the end of the school year comes to a close, children face many emotions that can take a toll on their confidence. Both children and adolescents alike can experience anxiety and a drop in self- confidence around the end of the school year. It’s not just the tests and projects that burn them out, but the anticipation of a new routine, saying goodbye to their teacher and friends, and preparing themselves for a less predictable schedule. (www.healthyplace.com)

Think about it… For nine months your children followed an established routine with every minute structured. The thought of going into a more relaxed routine is scary for many kids whose brains have been running on “high.” Sensitive students and those with special needs are particularly vulnerable, as they feel more confident when they have a set schedule.

Why do children feel less confident at the end of the school year? Their brains are burned out! Their peers and teachers are tired and stressed. Like running a marathon, their brains are trying with all their might to finish strong, but may not have the reserves necessary do to this. Environmental factors play a huge role in how your child is feeling. If their friends are wired, their teachers are tired, this can impact your little one. They pick up on the energy of those around them.

Signs Your Child’s Confidence is Dwindling As School Comes to a Close He/she doesn’t want to go to school, especially on a test days or the last days More irritability, meltdowns, or reverting into toddler-like behaviors Changes eating and sleeping patterns, trouble falling or staying asleep Obsessive thoughts or talk about “what will happen” Becoming stuck on topics Has stomach aches or nausea Puts themselves down or calls themselves “stupid” Angry, either at his or her loved ones, or directed at school, or themselves. (www.healthyplace.com)

Help Your Student Transition to Summer with CONFIDENCE! As a parent are you a supporter or a contributor? Parents have their own stress about what the transition will be like or if their child will make the grade. Talking too much about grades or summer plans sends the message that they measure their child’s worth in terms of grades and test scores. GUIDE AND ASSIST! Using empathy to try and identify what they are feeling can be a huge relief to a stressed out child. Make a schedule that they understand. Use colors and pictures to show them what the next 2-3 months look like.

Help Your Student Transition to Summer with CONFIDENCE! Help them feel confident saying goodbye. Wait until it’s time to turn the calendar from July to August before talking about next year. The phrase, “Now that you’re going into ______ grade,” will make your child begin to look forward which can terrifying. Try to praise them for finishing up this grade before making him or her anxious about the next.

Summer Resources This site has great lessons for a variety of ages that you can do at home to keep the brain sharp over summer. https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/succeed/succeed.pdf Reducing Stress and Building Confidence http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/buildingselfesteem/2013/05/help -your-child-reduce-stress-and-build-confidence/ Mind Yeti http://www.mindyeti.com/in-the-classroom

Reference: Healthy Place/America’s Mental Health Channel: http://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/buildingselfesteem/2014/05/help -child-feel-confident-end-school-year/