Not all parents get anxious and stressed as the new school year approaches, many feel a sense of relief as they found the holiday period hard going. Not least because of trying to sort out childcare as mum and dad may be working through the holidays, to booking holidays at peak times of the year and all the expense of that to the added expense of how to occupy your children in between times and of course, dealing with the children's boredom and frustration if all doesn't go to plan.

Lot's of reasons why the new school year is a welcome break for mums and dads! It can also be something children look forward to with great enthusiasm. Catching up with friends they did not see all summer, enjoying school in general! So going back to school is not stressful for all, only for some.

I myself enjoy the holiday period, me and the children have great fun. But I am not stressed about going back to school and neither are they. I don't make a big deal of it and therein the secret lies to a stress free return to school, do not make a big deal of it. It is a matter of routine, one they will follow for years to come.

But for some returning to school is stressful, and this can be due to the cost of new uniforms, more than one school to juggle school runs between or your child might not want to go back to school so there is the anxiety of trying to persuade them of the benefits and that it is necessary and they and you have little choice in the matter.

There are ways to avoid back to school anxiety and stress and the first rule when it comes to children and stress is that they 'catch anxiety from you'.

Children are finely tuned to our emotions and feelings and if we are unsure of something they pick up on it right away and adopt those fears and anxieties as their own.

Many years ago I used to manage an Opticians and whenever I had young patients screaming and tearful about their imminent eye exam, there would always be a more fearful, anxious mum/dad right behind them, asking numerous questions, and clearly demonstrating there was something to fear when of course in fact there is nothing to fear. Only on one occasion did I feel brave enough to tell a parent to stop acting so worried as this is why their child was worried.

So, if you have anxieties about 'back to school' try your hardest not to show them. There is no need for endless conversations on the subject, no need for reassurances when none are requested. Informing them just a day or two before is in my opinion enough notice. This way they do not need to think about it for long. Inform them in a cheerful, no big deal way, then feel free to change the subject.

If they do seem worried or anxious, encourage them to voice their concerns, hear them out and do not be dismissive. Show that you understand why they are worried and say it is normal to worry about these things. Then perhaps ask them what you and they can do together to make going back to school more fun. Make a card for the new teacher perhaps, or welcome back cards for school friends. These are a great idea as the child will make their cards then look forward to giving them out, which means being at school to do so!

If your child has more serious concerns such as bullying from teachers or pupils, take this seriously and perhaps have a talk with the head teacher at school when you drop your child off. It may be the case depending on the severity of the problem that you speak to the head teacher before taking your child back in to school. Bullying can be very distressing for children and I personally would consider a school transfer if various attempts to eliminate the bullying in one school failed.

If your stress relates to the costs of a new uniform, check on eBay and in thrift shops for as new items and bargains. Sometimes the schools sell off lost property at the end of a school year or start of a new one. If you are based in the UK you can buy quality items of school uniform for less than five pounds from the large Supermarket Chains. Often you can buy trousers, jumpers and polo shirts for as little as two pounds per item, so they are worth checking out!

If you are stressed about travel to school, how about seeing if anyone in your street can share school runs with you. Perhaps take turns driving each others children to school. This saves both of you petrol and time. If your children walk to school, then again offer to share this with another parent. As long as you don't have too many children in your care, and ensure safety at all times, this could work well.

Finally, if you have any other concerns or worries about being back at school, have a word with the head teacher who may be able to offer more useful advice and assistance. Talking to other mums/dads is also a great way to reduce those back to school blues!