Parents can ease back-to-school stress

For kids, the end of summer means an abrupt end to staying up late and sleeping until noon: It also signals the beginning of brand new challenges and perhaps a case of the back-to-school jitters.

Whether your child is a preschooler or a teen, some anxiety about the first day of school is normal. The trick for parents is to know how to ease your children's stress and manage your own expectations for the year ahead, experts said.

Parents shouldn't overact, even if kids have a rocky transition. "Children have to deal with these uncomfortable feelings," said Christine Kodman-Jones, a clinical psychologist in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. "It's scary, but if they still do it and follow through, that shows real strength and resiliency."

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http://yourlife.usatoday.com/parenting-family/story/2011-08-27/Parents-can-ease-back-to-school-stress/50148562/1

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