What Every Parent Should Know About School Phobia

REGINA, SK, August 27, 2011 (Press-News.org) The back to school craziness has started, and while children may be excited about all the cool new supplies, fear and nervousness about what school is going to bring this year may be eating away at your child, and could have deep consequences if not addressed early.

Children, especially those that have been uprooted and have to start in a new school might not show immediately they are fearful of their new situation. That's where the role of the parent needs to be supportive and communicative.

Beate Epp, a Saskatchewan author of the best selling children's book The Magical Horses, a holistic nutritionist and a life counselor on family issues had these tips to give to parents whose child may have a slight case of School Phobia.

1. At home set a good routine before school starts so that they can be encouraged to carry on as normal, with school being part of the routine. Don't make a big deal about how excited you think your child should be. This increases separation anxiety. Too many parents heighten the anxiety by celebrating school experiences too much- basically- make life boring!

2. Explain to your child that they have the tools to cope with their fears. If it's fears of bullying- give them the names of people they can talk to and trust. Let them know that they will be supported. Teach your child to manage situations on their own, but that you are there if they need help.

3. Be involved and be active in your child's life. Most importantly- Listen and talk to them everyday. They have valuable and important life lessons to give to you.

4. Find things that your child can really look forward to each day, and encourage them to find things that they can enjoy at school. Give them a task of finding something positive so that they can share that with you when the return home.

5. Tell your child that you love them and you are pleased with them for being courageous. Some parents initiate incentives in the home for each day their child goes to school without getting upset. Set up a good framework that's secure for them, but let's them have their independence.

6. Get help and investigate if your child starts refusing to go to school. The longer it goes on, the harder it will be to combat the fear. Talk with your child's teacher or other school attendees to get to the root of the problem so that you can help your child cope.

Artist and Writer Beate Epp identifies these familiar fears that many children go through with her character of 9 year old Kiran her book The Magical Horses: A Journey of Adventure, Mystery & Hope

For every copy of Beate Epp's young adult novel, The Magical Horses, sold between now and the campaign's end date, the author will donate 20% of the cost directly to the organization. Epp is also offering an original piece of artwork valued at $1900 to the person providing the highest donation to the campaign.

People are also encouraged to donate directly to the charity through her mycharity: water page at: http://mycharitywater.org/TheMagicalHorses or to purchase a copy of her book at http://amzn.to/qslsPy

Charity: water is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing potable water to people in the developing world. Funds raised for the organization go directly towards the funding water projects in those countries most in need of assistance.

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Rachel Sentes
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