Today is the first day back to school and my 6 year old did not want to go, and to tell the truth I didn’t want either one of them to go.  I loved spending the summer with them and although it has only been an hour since I left them at school I already miss them terribly.

All week I was trying to prepare them for back to school. I took them to the grocery store so they could help pick out items they want for their school lunches. I pretended to be excited that it was a new year and told them how much fun it would be and all the new friends they will make as well as see old ones. And gradually we have been getting back to our regular bedtime routine and wake up time.  So why is it so hard for us?

Last night my 7 year old couldn’t sleep and ended up sleeping with me. And, this morning he said he didn’t want to go to school. But as usual my brave little boy talked himself into being ok.  I don’t think I could have handled both boys falling apart this morning. 

I know my anxiety will pass in a few days and my boys will most likely have a change of heart within the first hour or so in their new class and I also know these feelings are common with many parents and children; however some are more severe and may need medical intervention.

I found a fantastic website about Separation Anxiety at http://www.anxietybc.com/parent/separation.php  this site contains lots of useful information such as: Home Management Strategies for Separation Anxiety Disorder  and  How to talk to your child or teen about anxiety and much more.

Wishing everyone a stress free back to school day