While you're packing your children's lunches or helping them with homework, consider studying some expert advice to help your youngsters at school.

"For children going to school for the first time, contact the school and see if you can take a tour," suggests Lawrence Balter, Ph.D., author of Who's in Control? Dr. Balter's Guide to Discipline Without Combat. Walking the route to school or traveling the bus route can also ease nerves.

Ease into the school routine. "Get the bath and bedtime schedule into place and adjust the TV viewing so that children don't have so many routine changes at once," Dr. Balter advises.

Also, buy school supplies early and get your child's room ready for a new school year. "If parents show enthusiasm about the new school year, and include their children in the preparation, it will help them get excited about it and make it easier on parents those first few days," he concludes.

Building Resiliency

How do you help a child who continually says things like, "I'm no good" or "I'm stupid?" Pessimism can turn into depression, according to psychologist Martin Seligman, Ph.D., an expert on child resiliency from the University of Pennsylvania.

You can teach your child to think optimistically. Dr. Seligman suggests teaching children to challenge their belief that they are the cause of an adversity. For example, children who miss a goal in soccer and say, "I'm no good," should be reminded that during the game, many goals were missed, not only theirs. "By teaching children to question their negative beliefs about themselves, you build their resiliency and increase their chances for success in school and in life," he adds.

School Phobia

If your child doesn't want to go to school, ask them why. Sharing your childhood experiences with them may help.

Homework

Never do a child's homework, says psychologist Dee Shepherd-Look from California State University in Northridge. Parents can help teach children to help themselves by asking children questions which can lead them to the right answers.

Distractions such as television and friends playing outside need to be minimized. Some children need rewards other than good grades to get homework finished. Knowing your child is the best way to determine what motivates them. Using a point system that leads to special privileges such as a movie or a new computer game works for some children. Other children need instant rewards like free time or a special snack.

The psychologists are all members of the American Psychological Association in Washington, D.C., a leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. (NAPSI)