It’s that time of year again… the yellow school buses are filled with kids, the school supply shelves at Target and Wal-Mart are pretty much picked over, and students throughout the Fargo-Moorhead community are heading back to school. Fargo and West Fargo students are in full swing, while the students on the Minnesota side start Sept. 8th.

As you prepare your child for the start of a new, keep in mind that it is normal for her to experience a range of emotions about returning to school. Research shows that returning to school is at the top of the list for childhood worries for children ages 7 to 12.

While each child responds to the start of a new year differently, you can take steps to address jitters and make the transition smoother. The first step is to identify reasons for the nerves. If your child has recently experienced upheaval at home, such as moving or divorce, he may be especially stressed about returning to school. Make sure to stay in tune with your child’s moods. Ask opened ended questions in order to get him to open up.

Some students are nervous about new academic challenges that come with a new grade level. Keep open lines of communication with your child and the school. Most schools will post grades and assignments on-line, password protected of course. Getting organized and establishing routines can also help your child feel ready for the next grade.

Social worries are another big cause for stress in students. Children become worried about meeting new students and not having their friends in the same class. Try to present this as an opportunity for your child to wide her group of friends, rather than a loss of familiar faces.

Once the first day or two are done, chances are the back to school jitters will disappear. If they seem to last longer than usual, it wouldn’t hurt to visit with your pediatrician about the behaviors.

Have a great school year Fargo-Moorhead!