 |
|
|
|
August 10th, 2011
05:07 PM ET
Seeking Serenity: Chilling in the back-to-school chaosEditor's note: CNN contributor Amanda Enayati ponders the theme of seeking serenity - the quest for well-being and life balance in stressful times.
And every year, this is all I hear him say: “Blah blah blah blah kids go back to school.” My own early school years were spent in Iran and several Western European countries (after I fled the revolution), where back-to-school just meant you got up early one morning in the fall and went back to school. These days, back-to-school is science — elevated, almost, to the ranks of a “Hallmark holiday,” complete with its attendant frenzy. I would not be surprised at all, for example, if there’s a back-to-school greeting card, balloon and stuffed animal gift set for sale in a superstore somewhere. Or if someone in Manhattan is offering her pricey services as a back-to-school consultant. So here I sit once again, staring down another school year, trying to beat back the dread of those first few weeks of chaos. “Back to school is a time when anyone who tends towards neurosis is going to get a big boost," says Kristin Carlson, working mother of two, from Glenwood Springs, Colorado. “First of all, there’s the journey to buy back-to-school supplies, for which we always seem to be on the late end. Somehow I’m the last parent to get the memo and by the time we arrive at the store, there are exactly three loose-leaf notebooks and they’re either this burnt orange or swampy green color that neither of my kids wants. And of course my child will end up sitting next to the kid with the immaculate My Pretty Pony Trapper Keeper.” (Mental note: Go to the store this week. Buy Pony Trapper Keeper.) She continues: “Then there are lunches. You want the lunch to be healthy, but you want them to eat it. And you also don’t want some kid to look over and go: ‘Eeeew! What is that?!’” (Mental note no. 2: Don’t ever pack Ghormeh Sabzi for kids’ lunches.) “And sports. There’s the announcement for tryouts, which my friend missed one year. But then there’s also the physical, which we have to do in our town in order to participate in sports. We have a fantastic program where our medical center does free physicals for anyone going back to school. That announcement’s in the paper. We pay attention, but it’s amazing what you miss. It always ends up becoming this crazy last-minute dash. The parent nights, the fundraising, the doctor and dentist appointments, the tutoring ... " Kristin trails off. I’m getting a sweat mustache just listening to her. “And forget about my old nemesis, the Parent Portal!” I ask myself: What kind of evil device is this? “It’s a website that tells you things like if your child is in his seat on time everyday or whether she’s turned in her assignment. If your child misses anything, it will be on the Parent Portal,” she says. ”And the thing is, I don’t even know my password for the Portal. I rebel against it. But then I also feel guilty because I think I should be checking it.” I hang up in hives and immediately reach out to Dr. Patricia Farrell, licensed psychologist and author of “It’s Not All In Your Head,” to get some advice. “It’s important to remember that it’s normal to feel anxious,” Farrell tells me. “It becomes an issue when you are frozen by the anxiety. Parents have to look within themselves and see what is making them so stressed. They also have to be aware that there is something called ‘contagion in anxiety.’ You can become anxious simply by being around stressed-out people. Children are particularly vulnerable to contagious anxiety. If their parents are stressed, children see and feel it. They model that stress, almost take it in. They see you as the person who is going to guide, support and care for them. So if you’re not able to handle stress, how can they?” I ask Farrell for tips to make the back-to-school transition smoother and less stressful for both parents and their children. Her suggestions include: Establishing routines. You want children to have the best possible orientation toward school. It’s really important for children to have a routine - and that includes bedtime, because if kids do not get enough sleep, it’s going to affect their performance in school. Begin to establish some routines a few weeks before school begins. This will ease both you and your children into the school year, rather than creating an abrupt and possibly stressful start. Organizing activities and materials. Anxiety becomes compounded by a lack of organization. Create a schedule for both school-related and after-school activities. Also, work with your children to organize the place where they will keep their books and materials. But avoid overscheduling and endless to-do lists: relaxing and playing are just as important to your child’s development as active learning. Communicating with your child. Allow your child to talk about how he or she feels about going back to school. Avoid hovering or being overprotective. Instead, ask her what she’s looking forward to and whether she has any concerns. Once you find out what the concerns might be, you can begin to address them. If your child seems particularly nervous or frightened and the issues appear to be more than you can handle, don’t feel like you have to be the expert. Look for resources in your community or even get a referral and go for a few sessions with a specialist. And what about parents? Taking some deep breaths. “Everyone has to learn a little bit of self-help. It’s not bad for both parents and children to learn some breathing relaxation techniques,” suggests Farrell. Breathing relaxation is very comforting. It has a calming effect, and there is a physical reaction to it. It has to do with carbon dioxide levels in your blood. It’s a powerful way of relieving tension and bringing about a sense of well-being. And though you might need quiet time for meditation, you can do breathing exercises anytime and anywhere. (You can find scores of breathing relaxation exercises, including Farrell’s, on YouTube.) And most important, perhaps, is the willingness to accept that there is no such thing as perfection. But what may come close is the blur of the sweet memories of childhood summers and school years melting into one another.
« Previous entryMind and body: Worms to help depression? Could happen...
|
  About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
 |
|
|
|
It has become inevitable that each year, at some point in August, my husband will begin talking about new classes, new wardrobes, new gear and the very long list of things we need to do in preparation for the kids to go back to school.
Heya i’m for the first time here. I found this board and I to find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I'm hoping to provide one thing back and aid others like you helped me.
http://www.farmacjachoma.pl/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=1066644
This is very interesting, You are an excessively professional blogger. I've joined your rss feed and stay up for in quest of extra of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks!
https://images.google.co.jp/url?q=https://www.multimediaireland.com/what-is-search-engine-optimization/
I loved up to you will receive carried out proper here. The cartoon is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. however, you command get bought an nervousness over that you want be delivering the following. in poor health surely come more earlier again as exactly the same nearly a lot continuously inside case you shield this increase.
https://www.codecademy.com/profiles/cervicalpillow03830
This actually answered my problem, thank you!
http://qa.pandora-2.com/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=hoodmilk32
Very good article! We are linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
https://funny365.net/user/k8ivjdz059
I do consider all the concepts you've presented on your post. They're really convincing and will certainly work. Nonetheless, the posts are very brief for beginners. May you please prolong them a bit from next time? Thank you for the post.
http://images.google.tg/url?q=https://www.mgsat.org/how-tp-choose-the-right-seo-agency/
This site truly has all the information and facts I needed concerning this subject and didnÃt know who to ask.
https://fusedglass.org/members/bracetrail99/activity/424613/
hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise some technical issues using this website, as I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load properly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I am complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very frequently affect your placement in google and could damage your high-quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Ensure that you update this again soon..
https://www.longisland.com/profile/sidebeer11
https://pattern-wiki.win/wiki/The_essentials_of_Reflexology
I think this is among the most significant info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The site style is ideal, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
https://images.google.com.sa/url?q=https://www.multimediaireland.com/what-is-search-engine-optimization/
https://kinogo.best/user/n3gpamq818
We absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post's to be just what I'm looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for you? I wouldn't mind publishing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome website!
http://www.voletic.com/members/voyagewhorl2/activity/344547/?p=activity2Fp2F3445472F
Hey I am so delighted I found your weblog, I really found you by accident, while I was researching on Aol for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a marvelous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don抰 have time to read through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a great deal more, Please do keep up the awesome work.
https://visual.ly/users/gisselring43rwjdqj/portfolio
I carry on listening to the news bulletin speak about getting boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the finest site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i get some?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxYJKAyNOQs
Thanks , I've just been looking for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the best I've found out so far. But, what concerning the bottom line? Are you sure in regards to the supply?
http://www.huaijiuyingshi.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=233829
https://fun-wiki.win/index.php/How_the_10_Worst_출장안마_Fails_of_All_Time_Could_Have_Been_Prevented_10826
https://web-wiki.win/index.php/20_Fun_Facts_About_출장안마_40177
Admiring the dedication you put into your website and detailed information you offer. It's good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same unwanted rehashed information. Fantastic read! I've saved your site and I'm adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
http://nyasmag.biz/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=http://wearegeneralnews.com
I think this is among the most vital info for me. And i am happy reading your article. However should observation on few basic issues, The web site taste is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Excellent job, cheers
https://visual.ly/users/bonnerruiz61lwhlhb/portfolio
great points altogether, you simply received a new reader. What might you suggest in regards to your put up that you just made a few days ago? Any sure?
http://images.google.ht/url?q=https://www.lunardigitalproductions.com/how-long-does-seo-take/
An interesting discussion is value comment. I feel that you must write more on this topic, it may not be a taboo subject but typically individuals are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers
https://ai-db.science/wiki/Buy_Windows_10_Home_Retail_Activation_Key_Online
https://www.blackplanet.com/greececover14/message/22688110
After study a few of the weblog posts on your web site now, and I truly like your method of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and will probably be checking back soon. Pls try my web site as nicely and let me know what you think.
https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=150×150&cht=qr&chl=https://www.profitseo.com.au/ppc-brisbane/?ppc
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post's to be just what I'm looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content in your case? I wouldn't mind composing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome web log!
http://www.quickregisterhosting.com/classifieds/user/profile/304012
Of course, what a magnificent blog and enlightening posts, I will bookmark your site.Have an awsome day!
https://chart.googleapis.com/chart?chs=150×150&cht=qr&chl=https://g.page/antoniafrank-albury-nsw?share?albury
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this website. I'm hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.
http://p8tqt.yuzhouliaoyu.com/
That is the fitting blog for anyone who desires to find out about this topic. You notice so much its nearly exhausting to argue with you (not that I actually would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Great stuff, simply great!
https://files.fm/f/jgbeqs52e
Howdy I am so grateful I found your webpage, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Bing for something else, Anyways I am here now and would just like to say
thanks for a incredible post and a all round thrilling blog (I
also love the theme/design), I don't have time to read
it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS
feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do
keep up the superb job.
my website; vrouwelijk consult
Today, while I was at work, my cousin stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a 25 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!
https://google.rs/url?q=www.payprodeal.com
I was able to find good information from your blog articles.
https://www.spreaker.com/user/13438781
I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own blog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up? I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I'm not very internet savvy so I'm not 100 certain. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
http://images.google.sc/url?q=https://ladolcevitaathens.com/seo-tools-vs-human-power-can-seo-be-automated/
Superb post but I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this subject? I'd be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Bless you!
http://gmprvolg.ru/user/swingmole50/
I used to be able to find good information from your articles.
http://msichat.de/redir.php?url=https://www.mobypicture.com/user/l0ntzhh795
I just couldn't depart your website before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts
https://dtc.edu.np/members/ketquamoinhat/
http://www.cptool.com/details/?url=https://list.ly/f6ebhkq835
whoah this weblog is fantastic i like studying your articles. Stay up the great paintings! You recognize, a lot of individuals are hunting round for this info, you could aid them greatly.
http://www.farmacjachoma.pl/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=2789672
I would like to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this website. I am hoping the same high-grade website post from you in the upcoming as well. Actually your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own web site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a great example of it.
https://google.co.uk/url?q=www.payprodeal.com
There are definitely a lot of details like that to take into consideration. That could be a great point to deliver up. I provide the ideas above as general inspiration however clearly there are questions just like the one you deliver up the place a very powerful thing will probably be working in trustworthy good faith. I don?t know if finest practices have emerged around things like that, however I am sure that your job is clearly identified as a fair game. Both boys and girls feel the influence of just a moment’s pleasure, for the remainder of their lives.
https://topsitenet.com/article/735950-project-pro/
Fantastic website. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks for your sweat!
https://www.zotero.org/groups/2710871/causemimosa8986
You made some first rate factors there. I regarded on the web for the issue and found most people will associate with along with your website.
https://www.pedicure.com/members/railchina6/activity/398650/
I know this if off topic but I'm looking into starting my own weblog and was curious what all is needed to get setup? I'm assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I'm not very internet savvy so I'm not 100 positive. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers
http://www.mickartvideo.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=1976205
Valuable information. Lucky me I found your web site by accident, and I am shocked why this accident did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
http://kuwestions.248am.com/index.php?qa=user&qa_1=bonepasta06
Hello. splendid job. I did not anticipate this. This is a great story. Thanks!
http://themotionpictureco.com/mpc/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=510182
Hello there! This post couldn't be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this write-up to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
http://jorconsulate.com/newen/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=403427
Hi would you mind letting me know which webhost you're working with? I've loaded your blog in 3 completely different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a honest price? Thank you, I appreciate it!
https://qiita.com/busdraw7
There's definately a lot to learn about this topic. I like all the points you have made.
https://gumtreeads.com/user/profile/279943
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She placed the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is completely off topic but I had to tell someone!
http://www.farmoreawesome.com/forums/profile/pikerule3
There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made sure good points in features also.
http://www.dom-ita.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=1503810
Somebody essentially help to make severely articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and to this point? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular put up amazing. Excellent process!
https://moz.com/domain-analysis?site=payurdealz.com
That is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Simple but very accurate infoÖ Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!
https://boarddancer50.wordpress.com/2020/12/20/ayurvedic-massage-therapy/