When the school year starts, your child may be dreading math class, the lunchroom's mystery meat or being labeled a "geek." Children also may fear isolation, not making friends and being unable to find the restroom or their classrooms.

Whatever age your child is, you can ease first-day jitters by helping your student plan for a new school year. By planning ahead, you will reinforce the importance of school and help alleviate worries.

Keep in mind that the amount of help your child needs will vary based on his or her maturity and year in school. An elementary-school child likely needs plenty of help, while a middle-school child probably expects a bit more freedom. An older student might not want you to make any fuss at all, but you should find ways to stay involved because high school presents more choices, from deciding which classes to take to choosing after-school activities.

Here are some ways you can help prepare your child for a new school year:

• Before the school year begins, start getting your child back in the habit of going to bed, getting up and eating meals at set times. After the summer, all youngsters need time to adjust to school schedules.
• Take a special trip to buy school supplies; let your child pick out a backpack or lunch box.
• Make another special trip to buy your child a new outfit for the first day.
• On a calendar, start counting down the days until school begins.
• Plan a special back-to-school dinner with your child's help. On the first day of school, wake up early and prepare a favorite breakfast.

Familiarity helps
It's especially important for younger students to be familiar with their new surroundings. Parents often forget how frightening change can be to children.

To reduce fears of going to a new school:

• Drive by the school and point it out to your child.
• Walk around the school with your child. Look in classrooms and the lunchroom, and play on the playground.
• If your child will walk to school, walk the route with him or her at least one morning or afternoon. Walk to the bus stop if he or she will ride the bus.
• If your school has an open house, be certain to attend it so your child can meet his or her teacher(s) and other students in a more relaxed setting.

"Back to school" means it's also time to think about immunizations and physicals. To find a physician who is right for your child, please call Direct Doctors^SM Plus, our FREE physician referral service, at 1.800.960.3893.

P.O. Box 890 Denison, Texas 75021-0890