Extension Specialist Advises on First Day of School Phobia

August 14, 1997

Greensboro, NC: When the first bell of the 1997-98 school year sounds, many bewildered faces will peer around at their new surroundings, curious what this school thing entails. According to Dr. Shirley Rouse, a 4-H and youth development specialist in North Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension Program, parents can help alleviate some of that first day stress.

"Children in the 4- to 6-year-old range dislike changes in their daily routine, and they prefer the familiarity of their family," said Rouse. "Going to school for the first time changes all of this and introduces them to a new environment with unfamiliar people. Parents need to understand that these and other developmental characteristics make the first day of school a traumatic experience for children this age."

According to Rouse, other development characteristics of children this age, which parents should be aware of, include:

• sensitivity to criticism
  
• desire to please adults
  
• need for affection
  
• difficulty accepting failure

"Parents should try to understand their child's fears and take steps to calm them," said Rouse. "Parents should also understand that some children are more prone to first-day nervousness."

These children include:

• those who are not socially mature or who are not accustomed to being with other youth
  
• those who do not enjoy being a part of a group
  
• those who dislike structure
  
• those who have had negative experiences in dealing with adults and peers
  
• those who have received too little affection or too much criticism from adults, and have low self-esteem as a result

Parental nervousness about the first day is not uncommon, says Rouse. "Understand that your fears and concerns about your child going to school are normal. However, try to contain your nervousness because children will often sense this and become more nervous as a result."

Steps parents can take to avoid first day of school stress include:

• obtain a schedule of the school day and review the schedule with the child
  
• encourage children to discuss their fears and other feelings with you
  
• share stories from your childhood to help them understand that there is nothing wrong with the way they feel
  
• offset potential negative feelings by increasing affection, frequency of compliments, and attention during the first week or two of school
  
• attend and participate in school events and activities, especially PTA meetings
  
• eat lunch with your child at their school during the first or second week

"Sometimes, fear and stress are inevitable," said Rouse. "If parents notice that their child suddenly becomes quiet or starts acting unhappy during the first few weeks of school, they should encourage the child to talk about their feelings. If the child won't talk, trying playing "school" with them and watch for signs of positive and negative feelings."

"With a little work and a little love, both the child and the parent can enjoy the school experience."

- 30 -

For more information, please contact Dr. Shirley Rouse, NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, (336) 334-7956.