Back to School Blues? How to Help a Shy Child Survive Starting School

Back to School Blues?

How to Help a Shy Child Survive Starting ScHool

BY AMY HILL

After a summer away from school, many students are itching to return to the classroom and spend time with their friends. For some children, however, this is far from the case. Public school is perfectly designed for children higher in extraversion and lower in neuroticism, but for introverted and anxiety-prone children, being surrounded by their peers with little control over their daily schedules can make them dread returning to school each year. From personal experience, I was a child who became so nervous leading up to the start of a new school year that I experienced sleeping problems the night before the first day of school, along with an upset stomach during the first couple of days while I adjusted to a new environment. In fact, my first day of middle school almost didn’t happen, as my stomach began acting up on the car ride to school. I somehow made it through the discomfort of my first day; but in hindsight, I now wonder if there were steps that could have been taken to make the experience less miserable.

Pull Some Strings

If you know your child suffers from social anxiety and does not acclimate well to change, it might be worthwhile to talk to your school’s administrators about your child’s individual struggles. Although it’s not a guarantee that the school can make changes on your child’s behalf, oftentimes, parents know the needs of their children better than anyone; and a sincere conversation with someone in charge might open a few doors that will reasonably accommodate your child’s needs. Maybe taking initiative and scheduling a meeting with your school will result in your child being placed in a class with a teacher who is highly empathetic and comforting, or making sure your child has at least one other close friend in his or her class so he or she feels more content. While it is not always possible for your children to be given special privileges and often sets unrealistic expectations for when your child enters the “real world” later in life, if a minor adjustment can make a world of difference in your child’s school year, why not give it a shot?

Make After-School Plans

Perhaps planning one of your child’s favorite activities after his or her first day of the new school year will replace your child’s anxiety with excitement or anticipation. Taking your child to his or her favorite restaurant, or making sure your children have their favorite snacks in the car upon picking them up from school in the afternoon can make a world of difference if a child has had a bad day. When I moved schools after Christmas during my sophomore year of high school, my mom graciously took me to my favorite Mexican restaurant immediately after school for the first few weeks. I found solace in knowing that I would be chomping on my favorite chips and salsa after fourth period. If your children know that there is light at the end of the school day tunnel, they will soon learn that persevering through their distress is possible (and eventually not that bad).

Know When to Make a Change

While mild to moderate levels of school anxiety are normal and will fade with time, it’s important to recognize whether expecting your child to push through is doing more harm than good. If your child expresses interest in home-schooling or online school, consider whether one of these options could be better suited to your child’s personal needs than a public school environment. If your child is under prolonged distress on a daily basis, his or her mental health can deteriorate, as well as the health of his or her immune system. If you’re hesitant to enroll your child in online learning programs or homeschooling due to the potential sociological consequences, gently push your child to find a church group or extracurricular activity that he or she genuinely enjoys to offset any potential social setbacks. Teaching children to build resilience is imperative to their development and preparation for adulthood, but not if it means causing long-lasting psychological and physiological consequences.

What If?

Resolving Warmth

BY LISA S.T. DOSS

“What-if?” the worrisome words, arrive constantly in the consciously spinning topics in our minds, from safety and financial security to loved ones and pet health. Asking, “What can I do?” leads to a proactive decision to invest time in the ultimate insurance policy—valuable life skills comprising security, shelter, food, water, and medical care! In any emergency, from extreme weather to a personal disaster, you have the power to take charge of your fate by making plans and taking action!

Electricity flickers, and at times, the lights go out for an extended time, such as days, to the cringe-worthy words, a week. Without an alternative, homeowners must either remain in the house and survive the cold, or leave. Rather than wait until the next outage, consider trying one of the following ways to heat the home without a power source.

Bricks and Stones, Terracotta Pots

Did you know bricks and rocks can transition into a source of portable radiant heat? First, create a campfire and heat them for at least 45 minutes before dropping the bricks into the only container which maintains its shape while not releasing toxic fumes—a stainless-steel pot. The container will require a heatproof and fireproof platform, such as bricks. Covering the pot allows it to exude heat, but for only so long. Similar is the terracotta pot theory. Place two to three pots inside each other, allowing space between the walls for air to move freely. From one tealight candle, the pot will eventually absorb and radiate heat. Be patient; it takes time for this method to work even in a small room.

Gas Fireplace Heater

The annual cost of filling a propane tank may be one reason homeowners discount investing in a tank and appliances. In moments of failed electricity, imagine having the option of using the gas range and ventless heater. To turn on, simply press a button. Homeowners will need to ensure their propane levels from the outdoor tank remain above 30%. TIP: Gas fireplaces come in self-contained units or as fireplace inserts. Cost is low and affordable. TIP: A propane heater with a catalytic converter is a small unit free of carbon monoxide. It is safe for use in closed spaces with little ventilation.

A Heating Appliance

The fireplace is a romantic investment, whether it includes a mantel and hearth or is a free-standing unit, such as a wood-burning or pellet stove containing a stovepipe. Regardless of the type of stove, the most popular choice includes a glass panel enabling fire-lovers to enjoy the calming ambiance of those hypnotic dancing flames. In moments of emergency, maintaining warmth will help every member of the household to remain calm. Due to the changes in regulations, it may be challenging to find an available stove; therefore, if you are interested in a nonelectrical heating source, it’s best to start shopping now! TIP: Propane is a viable alternative to securing and keeping a cord of wood. TIP: Certified chimney cleaning companies offer advice and assistance with new installations.

Gas Generator

Owning a generator is the ultimate insurance policy. Homeowners who dislike the disruption of all powered systems choose to install a standby generator, which turns on and off automatically. A secondary option and less expensive one is a “portable generator,” including a cage, handlebars, and wheels. Depending on its surge wattage, the unit could maintain between four and six appliances, such as a refrigerator, chest freezer, one burner on the range, a television, lights, and the water pump. A licensed electrician can assist by installing a transition switch, allowing the generator to distribute power to multiple electric circuits in your home. Every appliance is not just an investment, but a promise of savings to come. Perhaps these savings will be defined as time, energy, and peace of mind. Start researching today to look for a heating system that will satisfy your needs, budget, and goals. Next Month: Vital Survival Skills

Three Regional Trips for July and August

With the dog days of summer here and travel back in full swing, a road trip may be the best option for those looking to lock in a getaway. Here are three options to consider: Chattanooga, Tenn., Congaree National Park in South Carolina and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. Chattanooga: As of late June, there were not any COVID-19 travel restrictions in Tennessee. But it’s a good idea to check state government websites for COVID-19 updates before you leave. Truliant Many of Chattanooga’s best activities revolve around water. A good place to start is the 16.1-mile paved Riverwalk on the southern banks of the Tennessee River. There are lots of restaurants and activities along the way. On the Riverwalk is the Tennessee Aquarium, one of the top 10 aquariums in the United States as ranked by USA Today. Ruby Falls, deep inside historic Lookout Mountain, is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the U.S. A glass elevator takes you down 260 feet to explore the formations and see the thundering falls. The Chattanooga Market, one of the top markets in the U.S. according to Frommers, has more than 50 farm booths, offering produce, cheese and meat, and 130 local artisans. It’s open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Chattanooga has a variety of public art: sculptures, decorated alleys and murals. One of the most striking pieces is the 40,000-square-foot mural in the M.L King District. Congaree National Park: Located in Hopkins, S.C., Congaree National Park is 18 miles south of Columbia. It is part of the Congaree Biosphere Region. The park, which is free, is the largest intact area of old growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States. The most popular activities at the 27,000-acre park are boating, fishing and hiking. Congaree has 2.4 miles of boardwalks through the swamps and 25 miles of hiking trails, according to the National Park Service. Because a majority of the park is located in a floodplain, the trails are mostly flat and there is little change in elevation. Throughout the park you’ll see otters, wading birds, loblolly pines, oaks, maples, bald cypress, tupelo and holly trees. Fishing is allowed throughout the park with a valid South Carolina fishing license. But only recreational fishing is permitted. Catch and release sportsmanship is encouraged. Kayaks and canoes are the only boats permitted in the park. Rangers lead paddle tours and walks throughout the park, telling visitors about the natural and cultural history. The only accommodations within the park are two campgrounds, which require reservations. And within the park there are not any food services, though there are limited options in Gadsden, about 10 minutes from the park. Following CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated visitors to South Carolina do not need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: On Dec. 20, 2020, the New River Gorge became the 63rd national park in the U.S. system. The park consists of the 53 miles of the New River and the 70,000 acres of the gorge that were created by the river – and there is no fee to enter the park. There are an abundance of a activities: primitive camping throughout the park, an 83-mile scenic drive, guided activities throughout the year, 1,400 established rock climbs ranging from 30 to 120 feet in height, whitewater rafting, hiking trails ranging from ¼ mile to 7 miles in length, a range of easy and intermediate biking trails, fishing and hunting. Currently, there are not any travel COVID travel restrictions in West Virginia. COVID-19: If you and your family are planning to travel this summer, the safest strategy is to make sure that everyone 12 and older is fully vaccinated. Vaccines are free and are easily obtained. But some locations may still require masks and social distancing, so it’s a good idea to pack your masks and check the latest guidance from the CDC online

Fiddle & Fig is Fully Stocked with the Perfect Autumn Décor for Your Home

BY AMY HILL

With the fall season rapidly approaching, prepare to rid your home of warm weather vibes and spruce up your living space with warm fall colors. At Fiddle & Fig, finding the ideal home touches to create an autumn ambiance in your living room is as easy as (pumpkin) pie.

Unlike major retailers such as Target and HomeGoods, shopping for home décor at a local business like Fiddle & Fig ensures that your furnishings and home accents are available, unique and sure to impress house guests. The attention to detail that shop owners Morgan Holt and Jamie Lapp instill in their shop’s aesthetic is evident throughout the displays and inventory on the store’s shelves and floor. While speaking with Morgan and Jamie on the phone in July, I was surprised to learn that they were already gearing up to begin scoping out the perfect items to sell for Spring 2022. In order to scope out the best products for their customers, Jamie and Morgan seek out new vendors, product and ideas weekly. Customers can expect to see Fiddle & Fig’s new fall inventory on store shelves during the first week of August.

The pair takes pride in the integrity of their shop’s character and the availability and variety of products sold, which is what draws customers in from all over the country. Aside from the stunning interior of the store and all its inventory, Fiddle & Fig’s charm is initially seen from the outside. Located in Historic West End in Winston-Salem, the exterior of Fiddle & Fig is the perfect combination of urban, industrial and modern, which intrigues many passersby. In fact, it would be nearly impossible for avid shoppers to resist taking a peek inside. Morgan and Jamie chose the building for the shop’s location due to its strong community of fellow business owners, including Lavender and Honey Kitchen, Alkali Hair Studio and Poppyseed Provisions. Because community is so important to Jamie and Morgan, their goal in creating Fiddle & Fig was to help customers create a space in their home for gathering and fostering relationships. With the social isolation of COVID-19 fading away, now is the optimal time to bring your home back to life.

Fiddle & Fig is excited to be celebrating its one-year anniversary on October 2nd with exclusive specials in-store and many surprises from local vendors. Their anniversary celebration also happens to fall on Forsyth Woman Magazine’s annual Tour de Boutique, which will also unlock sales and specials for those registered for the event. While visiting Fiddle & Fig that day, be sure to snap a photo

with the festive marquee letters from the Triad-based business, Alpha-Lit. Additionally, mark your calendars for Fiddle & Fig’s Christmas Open House during the week of November 2nd through November 6th, and wake up bright and early for its Black Friday Sale later that month.

Online shoppers will be excited to learn that Fiddle & Fig’s website (www. fiddle-fig.com) will be undergoing major changes in the near future. Jamie and Morgan will be adding more inventory available for purchase online, while also offering a flat shipping rate. Additionally, customers will soon be able to purchase a quarterly box of Fiddle & Fig’s carefully curated home accents delivered to their door.

With the holiday season approaching, Fiddle & Fig will soon be looking to hire extra help in-store. Interested in joining the Fiddle & Fig team? Candidates with experience in customer service and retail sales can send resumes to orders@fiddle-fig.com.

Ready to warm-up your residence for the fall season? Visit www.fiddle-fig.com to browse the latest inventory and see store hours. To stay up-to-date on the latest news and events at Fiddle & Fig, check out the shop’s Facebook page and follow @fiddleandfigmarket on Instagram.