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New Research Reveals True Extent of Back To School Stress

New research reveals that 78% of mums of pre-school children feel ‘anxious’ about their child starting school this year
Lifestyle - 24 August 2011   Download IconContent available for download:  
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The ‘back to school frenzy’ can often be a stressful time for British parents. New research reveals that nearly one in ten (8%) parents have a child starting primary school this year and 78% of mums of pre-school children feel ‘anxious’ about their child starting school.

Some of the main concerns include worrying their child won’t fit in, that they will fall behind academically or that their children will misbehave at school. The research has also shown that mums and dads have different concerns, with twice as many dads worrying that their child will misbehave than their female counterparts, while only half as many dads worry that their child won’t make friends than UK mums.

Amidst all the things that parents worry about, only 4% worry that their children will catch headlice once they start school which is a concern as headlice most commonly affect children from the age of 4 and upwards. So will headlice be another thing to add to list of worries and concerns for
parents this September?

. Introduction:

Many parents will be sending their child to school for the first time this September. The ‘back to school frenzy’ seems to spark many concerns for parents such as worrying their child won’t fit in and worrying their child will fall behind academically. However one concern that doesn’t seem to be at the forefront of parents’ minds is the risk of headlice. With so many things to think about from stocking pencil cases to buying the school uniform, many parents may not know where to turn for advice.

So, how can parents experiencing the ‘back to school frenzy’ for the first time make life a little easier?

Joining us to discuss this further is working mum, Helen Maddin from Vosene Kids.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research tell us about back to school worries in our area?

Why is the back to school period such a stressful time for parents?

How can parents get advice if they have children starting school for the first time this year?

Why do you think headlice are not a high priority concern for British parents?

What would you recommend to parents to help them make back to school as smooth as possible?

Where can our listeners find out more information?