August 2007 eNewsletter
August 7, 2007

Here are some simple tips to avoid chaos as you kick off the school year

$17 billion dollars-$550 per family--this year’s back-to-school spending will reach an all-time high. Ahhh, the stress a new school year brings. For many parents and children, it is an overwhelming season of confusion, depression and anxiety. American families are truly overwhelmed with concerns about money and time.

Try these simple tips to avoid chaos as you kick off the school year:

• Develop a plan…and stick to it! Create a plan and establish rituals in advance: bedtime/curfews; homework hour (no distractions); dinnertime (everyone eats together whenever possible); and, make sure to put up a calendar of everyone’s after-school activities (and keep it current) to avoid scheduling conflicts. Kids need (and want) structure--a plan reduces confusion and stress by keeping everyone on the same page.
• Save, Save, Save: Hit sales to cut down on expenses – both online and in-store. Stores usually prepare for sales on Thursday evenings, so get there early on Fridays for the best savings. And, if your state offers tax free shopping days, take advantage of them!
• Create a concern box: Family member write down their concerns, put them in the box, and at the weekly family meeting, they are discussed– it is a way for everyone to share their feelings in a supportive and non-intimidating fashion. With so much happening in the first few weeks of school – new friends, bullies, new teachers, new classes, peer pressure, fear and instability – communication is paramount within the entire family. 
• Morning Chaos:  Stop the morning madness. Pre-pack lunches, lay out clothes, get backpacks ready and shower in the evenings to cut down on morning stress.
• Activity time each night: Each night go for a family walk for 20 minutes, play catch or shoot hoops. Healthy, active parents create healthy, active children.
• Encourage quiet-reflective time for your family: This practice plants the seeds of peace, wisdom and reflection in your children. Have them spend 10 minutes of quiet time each evening. This is also their time to read, explore individual creativity, prayer and meditation. 
• Parents practice Self Care:  Practicing self care teaches your children the vital importance of caring for their own mind, body and soul. Make a date with yourself; get a massage, meet a friend, attend an art exhibit, get nourished! Your children’s days are filled, shouldn’t yours be?
• Laughing Matters: Laughter is an immediate stress reducer and teaches children to not take themselves and life too seriously. See comedy movies regularly.

Stress is a natural element of life. Educate your children about the symptoms of stress and that stress can lead to sickness, depression or anger. Parents can ease the tensions of stress by altering the family lifestyle and creating a peaceful home environment.

Live, Love and Enjoy!

Blessings,

Kathleen

Please email me your questions, comments or stories.  I love hearing from YOU!  kahall@stressinsitute.com

AUGUST NOTABLES:

Stay Tuned! Dr. Hall will be appearing on the Oprah & Friends Program, the Dr. Oz Show, on XM Radio later this month. Details will follow shortly, but if you want to know more about this program, visit http://www2.oprah.com/xm/moz/moz_about.jhtml.

CONGRATULATIONS JULY SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS!! Thanks to everyone who submitted their vacation stress-less tips! The winners are Debbie Smith, Amy Peacock and Nancy Riewerts. We will be contacting you soon via email. This wraps up our Summer Stress-LESS Sweepstakes Contest. For those of you who missed out on entering, look for more exciting opportunities to participate in the coming months!