Back-to-school tips for elementary kids go beyond pencils and backpacks. Sam and Melissa talk with child therapist Jennifer Ruef about what kids—and parents—really face from kindergarten to 5th grade, academically, socially, and emotionally.
In this episode:
- The emotional rollercoaster of sending a child to kindergarten
- Why 3rd grade marks such a big academic and social leap
- How perfectionism and homework battles show up in 1st–4th grade
- The unique mix of confidence and vulnerability in 5th grade
This episode wraps up our Nature of the Beast back-to-school series. If you missed earlier episodes, check out: College Edition with Dr. Kelly Wilcox, High School Edition, and Middle School Edition with Mary Foard
About Jennifer
Jennifer is an educator and child therapist who specializes in anxiety and OCD. With 15+ years as a school counselor and pupil personnel worker, she now supports kids and parents through her new practice, KidWise Counseling
Get expert support, fresh strategies, and a judgment-free parent community—so you can stop feeling stuck and start parenting your teen with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
You know when your kid screws up in some way, and you're sure of the lesson you want them to learn from it....but you’re not sure how to say it in a way they’ll actually hear?
Download Sam's free video guide that walks you through a simple, step-by-step process for handling these tough conversations called the L.O.V.E.D. framework.
Contact us: parentingshrinkwrapped@gmail.com
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Work with Us:
Sam: Teen Savvy Coaching
- Join The Teen Savvy Parent Hub
- Sam's free video guide: How to Have a "You Screwed Up" Conversation with your Child or Teen
- Sam's free e-book: Beyond Nagging: Empowering Parents to Transform Teen Homework Headaches
Dr. Melissa: Annapolis Psychiatry
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