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Show Vernal Exprest Wednesday, August 9, 2000 13 o . r JrVERUAl r Mahe flfoe transition easy Whether a child enters the fifth grade or 10th grade this year, the move will involve major adjustments. adjust-ments. In most cases, there will be a new school building, new teachers teach-ers (and more of them), additional courses (involving more homework) home-work) and a whole new ring of friends. One father who that will begin School and a son High School, said: first day in high straight-A student, terrified! So I can my children." has a daughter Vernal Middle to begin Uintah "I remember my school. I was a and still I was empathize with Charlene Giannetti and Margaret Sagarese, authors of "Parent Soup" say the transition can be a whole lot easier with the help of parents. They said for many parents, becoming sympathetic to their children's chil-dren's predicament is an important first step. Adolescents, by nature, are a little insecure about themselves them-selves anyway. Leaving a familiar env ironment, where they have felt comfortable, to enter one with so many uncertainties is bound to make them anxious. "What will I wear?" "Will I remember my locker lock-er combination?" "Will anyone like me?" "What if the teacher calls on me the first day?" All these questions ques-tions will run through a child's mind like a recording that will not shut off. Some children may vocalize vocal-ize their feelings, but too often they just clam up. Parents may notice their child's a little depressed, nervous, ner-vous, even cranky, and wonder why. There's a good chance it's anxiety. Especially during these transition , periods, parents really need to get involved. Preteens are not kinder-gartncrs kinder-gartncrs who easily listen to Mom and Dad's advice about getting ready for school. And most likely, they will not be walking their child to school and spend the morning in the classroom. Once they have left the house, they are on their own. Before that first school bell rings, make the most of these last days of summer. If your child barely squeaked through math last year, line up a tutor to spend some time reviewing before school begins. Find an older student or perhaps a teacher from your child's new school to help out Organize a study area. Preteens will need a place to work that is away from TV, traffic and other distractions. Make sure study tools are nearby. Review his schedule. Most middle mid-dle and high schools send out itineraries itin-eraries in late summer. Go over your child's course selections. If there are questions or concerns, call the school. Most guidance counselors coun-selors expect and welcome calls from parents this time of the year. Take a walk-through. As soon as your child's school allows, arrange to take your son or daughter for a tour. Make sure they know where their locker is. It's always helpful to review the school handbook with your child and let them read what's required in terms of dress, demeanor and other responsibilities. Some schools have students sign contracts or charters where they agree to abide by the school's code. Encourage your child to call some friends. Social anxiety is often one . of the biggest hurdles they will have to get over. Knowing in advance that there will be at least one familiar face in English class may help to quell their fears. A child's feelings are valid. No matter how your sondaughter is feeling, fearful, excited, anxious or sad, allow them an outlet to vent , their feelings. Starting over is never easy, but a sympathetic ear can ease the stress. Parents share some of your stories with the kids and remind them that 90 percent of what they worry about never comes to pass. The first week may be the hardest. hard-est. Parents need to make themselves them-selves available to listen and help out if needed. Review their schedule. sched-ule. "Tracking," organizing children chil-dren based on their abilities, begins in middle school and parents will want their child on the right track. Manage extracurricular activities. It may no longer be possible for your child to play soccer three times a week, have flute lessons, and still be a Scout Once middle school begins, some kids naturally start to pick and choose activities. 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