August 25, 2008

Bye Anxiety

Easing Back-to-School Separation

You know the scenario. Your child clings to you for dear life at the mere mention of back to school.

Skip the drama with tips from parent coach and licensed psychotherapist Tammy Gold.

1. Count down the days until school begins.

2. Talk up the new schedule — lunchtime, reading time — and what will be the same or different this year.

3. Take a tour of the classroom and try the route to and from school.

4. Get a list of classmates and schedule playdates before the big day.

5. Let your child carry a transitional object — a small stuffed animal, a family picture — to help ease separation.

6. Don’t worry: Some kids never cry, some sob, and some “honeymoon” the first week saving the tears for later. Remember, it’s normal for children to long for their parents for the first month.

But chances are, it will be the other way around.

For more information, go to goldparentcoaching.com.

This Week in New York

SEE
SummerStarz: Oldies Night
What: Outdoor family fest with arts and crafts, live music, and a screening of Back to the Future.
Why: It’s McFly.
When: Wed. Children’s hour, 6 p.m.; live music, 7 p.m.; movie at sunset.
Where: McCarren Park, Lorimer St., b/t Nassau & Driggs Aves., Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Info at 718-609-1090 or info@townsquareinc.com.

HEAR
Brazilian Day Festival
What: All-day fiesta features live samba music, deep-fried pastries, and colorful costumes.
Why: Blame it on Rio.
When: Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Sixth Ave., b/t 42nd & 56th Sts.; 46th St., b/t Madison & Seventh Aves.

CAST A LINE
Catch and Release Fishing
What: Children ages 5+ can bring in a live one in the Harlem Meer.
Why: It’s reel good.
When: Thru Oct. 15. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Where: Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, Central Park, at E. 110th St., b/t Lenox & Fifth Aves. (212-860-1370).