Did Hurricane Irene delay the start of your child returning to school? Some districts are seeing as much as weeklong delay due to Hurricane Irene. While some children see this extra vacation as the best thing that could happen, others do not. Hard to believe, but true. So if you notice that your little one seems a little more on edge now that school has been postponed don't be surprised. This may be most true for incoming kindergartners and those switching to an upper level school, as well as those starting in a new district.

Even without a delay and having to deal with Irene, the start of school can be challenging for kids. Sure, they will get to see their friends, but a new year brings new things and the unknown and that can be a strong anxiety trigger for little worriers (and big ones). Below are some tips to help reduce anxiety at the start of school.

1. Start their routine sooner rather than later. If Irene has afforded your kids extra days off, take that opportunity to get them into their school routine now. Usually the start of school means doing things "earlier". Dinner, bedtime and settling in. Encourage them to do some reading before bed as they might during school. Even getting them practicing "homework" is a good idea. This will help them ease back into their habits rather than shock their system when it's time to hunker down.

2. Don't start anything new now. Wait until your kids are settled into school before starting something new. Some divorced parents change visitation schedule in the summer versus the school year. If you didn't do that by mid-August, don't do it now. Give your kiddos a couple of weeks to settle in and then make the change. Most kids need some time to acclimate to the new school year. Wait on new activities as well. The amount of time depends on your kid.

3. More information is not always better. Some districts are using online programs that allow kids and their parents direct access to the kids' grades. You can log in to a program like Power School and see how your child is doing. Likewise, your child can see what grades they have gotten so far. While this can be a useful tool, it also sets up stress for kids. I have heard of high school students taking a test in the morning and then by late morning of the same day, going to the library in school to check Power School to see what they received. You may think, "that sounds great", but for kids who are prone to anxiety, it can cause a tremendous amount of stress. Especially when it becomes the culture and kids are constantly checking their grades throughout the day at school. Yes, it is true. I would never discourage investment in good grades but there is a line that can be crossed into the "a bit much" realm. Remember progress reports? They came out half way though the marking period and let you know what grades you were getting. For kids who get anxious I recommend this type of monitoring of programs like Power School. If parents need to know how their kids are doing more often, so be it, but unless there is a huge problem, their children may do better to know mid way through the marking period with enough time to improve any less than desired grades.

4. Get ready yourself! The start of school means a different routine for parents too. It's great to prepare the kids, but be sure that you are also ready. You may need more time in the mornings to prepare lunches or do drop off so start thinking about how you need to change your summer habits. Possibly an earlier bedtime for mom and dad is needed as well. In the end, a well-rested and prepared parent is going to be able to help their kid through the start of school stress and meltdowns.

After the first few weeks, everyone should be in their routine and settled. Some kids may take longer and others less time to adjust. Don't worry if your child takes a little longer. They all do things in their own time. Take a breath and reassure your little one that things will be okay. Reassure yourself while you're at it because before you know it, the time will come for parent-teacher conferences and Thanksgiving break. Enjoy this new year with your child and take the stress in stride. If there is one thing that Irene has taught the state this week it is that there are things outside of our control and we will have to acclimate to them. The start of school can be tricky, but it is not unmanageable. Good luck to you and your small ones this week, and next!

Beverly Carr is a Norwich-based family therapist. Her column appears monthly in Grace online. Visit beverlycarr.vpweb.com for more information.