1. Time
Stress. Not surprisingly, the leader of the list was
having enough time in the day to attend to homework,
get to activities on time, and not feel as if we were
always running behind. Surprisingly, this was a top
concern even amongst parents of pre-schoolers!
Tip: It’s
a mixed blessing, having so many enriching activities
to pick from. In your child’s early years it
is tempting to want to let them try a variety to see
where their gifts lie. But once the kindergarten/elementary
years start, and homework happens, a family needs
to reevaluate their schedules. My recommendation is
one activity per week, per child.
2. Money
Stress. Parents primarily think of educational expenses
in reference to putting money aside to plan for college
costs – as well they should – but there
are a number of things that can cause financial stress.
Many parents underestimate the expenses of even public
schools, such as PTA dues, suggested charitable contributions,
and numerous activity fees and that can leave a family’s
budget strained at the end of each month.
Tip: Recognize
that a child entering full time school is a change
of phase of life – one that requires a sit down
and re-set of a families monthly spending and priorities.
If the family hasn’t put in place some sort
of saving plan for college, this is a great time to
get started, whether that means starting an account,
increasing the monthly automatic contribution, or
looking into reward programs to add more to it. Also,
recognize that the school community is an ongoing
part of your life. If it adds value to your family,
you will want to prepare to play your part financially.
3. Health
Stress. I remember the first week of pre-school when
my daughter brought back her lunch, nearly untouched.
I was worried she was going to faint from hunger,
and that I didn’t know how to pack a proper
lunch. (Then I found out they were letting her ‘charge’
hot lunches… I pulled her credit and the PBnJ
lunches started to disappear!) But many times it is
hard to determine the right mix of healthy foods that
are easy to pack and kids will eat.
Tip: Get
your child involved in the shopping and the packing
of the lunches and snacks. You need your child to
understand what a good balance of “go”
and “slow” foods will make their bodies
and minds feel strong all day long. You’ll also
learn interesting facts like which snacks are the
easiest to eat while swinging from monkey bars.
4. Clueless
Stress. A new element of uncertainty comes into our
lives when our children start making friends on their
own. They talk about things their new friends do,
say and believe, and you will see that you are not
the leading opinion setter in your children’s
lives. It is unsettling, especially as these new ideas
are often different from the attitudes and beliefs
you have been raising them with.
Tip: Invite
these new influences into your home after school or
a sleepover, or to meet somewhere neutral like a park
for a play date. Get to know the parents and see what
they are all about and why your kids are so drawn
to them. Spending time with the friends also gives
them the chance to get to know you – and to
benefit from your thoughts, ideas and high spirits.
Fear not,
stress less. As you enter a new phase of life, you’ll
be given new chances to grow with your children. When
something causes you stress, take a deep breath, and
step into the unknown with humility and bravery. You
made it through the diapers and the twos… you
can do anything!
About
the Author:
Anh Vazquez, CEO of LittleGrad.com, earned a Master’s
degree from Stanford University and a Bachelor’s
degree from Carnegie Mellon University. After spending
over ten years working for leading companies such
as Intel, Netscape, and Wal-Mart, Anh’s career
interests shifted when she became the mother of two
children. Anh drew on her experience as a senior executive
at Wal-Mart’s fastest growing division (Walmart.com)
when she decided to start LittleGrad.com, a free service
that helps parents save for their children’s
college education. LittleGrad.com has been featured
in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, San Francisco
Chronicle, and Money magazine. For more information
please visit www.littlegrad.com
