by Lori Lite

I wish I had a few back to school tips when I was bringing me crying child to school…

My kid was a clinger and did not want to go to school.  She held my leg  tightly and screamed so loudly I wanted to cry.  So I did what every stressed out and embarrassed mom would do…

Back to school stress took such a hold on me that I actually told my daughter’s teacher that she had a fever and we should reschedule.  I lied to my daughter’s kindergarten teacher on the first day of school. Seventeen years later I am happy to report that my little girl is now a college graduate with a terrific job and living in her own apartment. I have learned a few tricks since that day. Below are a few of Stress Free Kids tips for creating a back to school moment that is stress free.

• Accept the fact that all ages will be cranky for the first 2 weeks. Keep demands and schedules as light as possible until you and your child adjust to the new schedule.
• Never let your children hear you speak negatively about their teacher. Be positive and remember that a teacher that did not work out for your neighbor’s kid, may be your child’s favorite teacher.
• Work through your own anxious feelings about back-to-school. Children pick up on spoken and unspoken anxiety. The more relaxed you are about school the more relaxed your kids will be.
• Prepare ahead of time. Donate clothes that no longer fit your child and get rid of mismatched socks. You will appreciate never hearing your kids yelling, “Mom, I can’t find my other sock.”
• Decide where your child’s study space or homework area will be. Clear out the clutter and let them make it their own by adding a decorating touch that they select or create. Making or buying a purple pencil holder decorated with stickers can transform their space and attitude.
• Introduce your child to at least one or two other children that will be in their class. Meet for lunch. I  find Chuck-E-Cheese to be a great place to break the ice. It helps kids build memories and gives them something to talk about at school.
• Put your family on a routine and emphasize sleep.  For bedtime, focus on relaxation and sleep will follow.
• Make sure your child’s emotional backpack is filled with self-esteem building tools and relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, positive statements, and visualizing doing well at school can make a difference. Indigo Dreams CDs teach all of these techniques for children and teens.
• Acknowledge that change; be it positive or negative creates stress. Children are especially sensitive to change. A little awareness coupled with creativity and compassion can make your back-to-school days…. stress free.

Parenting.com featured one of Lori’s tips in their article, 16 Ways to Prep for School Separation Anxiety .

Children can fall asleep quicker and more peacefully by listening to any of the CDs in the Indigo Dreams Series to include our new music CDs Indigo Dreams: Kids Relaxation Music or Indigo Dreams: Rainforest Relaxation.

Stress Free Kids founder Lori Lite is a freelance blogger, social media strategist, parenting expert,  and successful entrepreneur. Her line of books and CDs are designed to help children, teens, and adults decrease stress, anxiety, and anger. Ms. Lite’s books, CDs, and lesson plans are considered a resource for parents, psychologists, therapists, child life specialists, teachers, doctors, and yoga instructors. Lori’s award winning books received national attention on Shark Tank and her sort after accessible tips have been featured in hundreds of publications to include: CNN Living, Real Simple Magazine, USA Today, Family Circle, Working Mother Magazine, and Web MD. For more information visit  Stress Free Kids and for daily advice follow Lori on Twitter and Facebook.