It’s back to school time! All across the country, schools are opening their doors for the 2017-2018 school year. As exciting as it can be to find out who is your new teacher and to discover what friends are in your class, it can also be a time of heightened anxiety. My incoming Kindergartener said to me, “Mom, I’m excited but I’m also scared.” It’s normal to be both excited and scared about big, new things! Anticipate children being more sensitive and emotional these first few weeks of school. It can be a scary time, with a lot of unknowns and big feelings. Support them in creating a solid back to school schedule, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep. Soon the nervousness will fade, and families will settle back into the routine! Have a great school year!

Carrie Shrier
Extension Educator
Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor
Michigan State University Extension