171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
800-424-MUSC
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September 2007
Feature Story
Easing back into school: Tips from a school psychologist
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| Dr. Mary Kral |
For most of us, school has started. Families are once again busy with routine, often going in different directions.
"You'll feel better all year if you try setting realistic expectations now, at the beginning of the school year," suggests MUSC psychologist Mary Kral, who says both parents and kids can take steps to make the transition from summer vacation to school easier.
"Strive for a balance between homework and extracurricular activities so the school day is not so long."
Dr. Kral says parents can reduce stress by anticipating how demanding the coming semester will be. If it's likely to be fairly challenging, parents may want to temporarily cut back on extra activities.
"Choose quality over quantity, rather than taking on all possible extracurricular activities," she notes.
Reestablish schedules and set homework times
Schedules tend to become lax during the summer, so try to ease into school by reestablishing bedtime and mealtime routines even before school begins. Turn off the television and encourage reading, quiet games, crafts or flashcards instead. Give your child increasing responsibility, such as setting his own alarm clock, and establish rewards for getting up independently and getting ready for school on time.
Older children will also need guidance and boundaries so they get enough sleep. "Research suggests that adolescents need eight to ten hours a night, and many are not getting that," says Dr. Kral. To make sure they do, parents should establish clear expectations about when their pre-teen or teen should go to bed, as well as consequences for not doing so, she advises.
Parents of first-time students will want to visit the new classroom with their child before the start of the school year and introduce him to the new teacher. At home, talk with your child about what he'll learn, and express confidence in his abilities.
All kids benefit when parents set a regular homework time. Dr. Kral says it's helpful if parents create a reward system for completed homework and assignments.
"Arrange for a favorite activity to immediately follow less interesting activities - such as an outdoor game after homework - to give your child something to look forward to."
Designate a homework spot. For older children, this might be their room or a quiet place in the house where they can work independently. Younger children usually benefit from a location free of distractions, yet with parental supervision nearby. The kitchen or dining room is often perfect.
Establish a balance between homework time and extracurricular activities after school. An overload can stress everybody. Choose quality over quantity, and schedule these activities in consideration of test dates or heavy homework days.
 Stay in touch with teachers
Find out what the teacher's preferred mode of communication is - notes, email, or phone - and use it to stay in touch regularly.
Research suggests that parental involvement is closely tied to academic success. "A daily agenda or home-school note that is filled out by your child, signed by the teacher, and verified by a parent each evening is an effective way to monitor important assignment dates and tests," says Dr. Kral.
"Take an active role in your child's school experience," she recommends. "Become familiar with her schedule, supervise homework time, and regularly check in with her regarding her peer interactions."
Parents can help kids stay in touch by re-introducing them to their classmates through play dates at the start of the school year.
Discuss concerns immediately
Be proactive when signs of difficulty arise, advises Dr. Kral, who sees many children with learning difficulties in her practice.
Fear of school, decreased interest in preferred activities, or learning challenges may signal a need for professional intervention.
Discuss these and other signs with your child's teacher or pediatrician, who can provide guidance about effective interventions or resources, such as a child psychologist.
"Ask for a referral or raise the issue with the school psychologist," suggests Dr. Kral. "But do it sooner rather than later. Don't let much of the school year go by before the child gets help."
Returning to school after a chronic illness or injury
For children treated for a major medical condition, such as cancer or traumatic brain injury, collaboration between the medical team and school personnel can go a long way towards easing the child's transition back into the school setting.
Dr. Kral says, ideally, these kids should have a thorough neuropsychological assessment to aid in the development of an appropriate education program.
"Many children coping with chronic medical conditions also face difficulty with social adjustment," says Dr. Kral. "There are ways of communicating their difficulties to the classroom so the other children have an understanding of what their classmate has been experiencing. This definitely smoothes the transition and helps the child adapt to her illness. Pediatric psychologists are uniquely trained to assist with these and other issues related to adjustment to chronic illness."
Whatever your concerns, remember: "There are professionals who can help both at school and in the medical setting," offers Dr. Kral.
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