Dear Readers: It is the second to third week of school. By this time, all supplies are in order, children have gone through some placement testing, and through review of last year. This is the time when good habits start to creat roots, and hopefully to crystallize. This is also the time when professionals like me receive calls about children resisting to going to school. Some children already show symptoms of separation anxiety, and they start showing somatic symptoms (such as stomach aches) in order to avoid going to school. If parents notice any signs of separation anxiety, I would like to recommend that you develop strategies as soon as possible to decrease and to eliminate the long, anxiety provoking separation rituals between you and your children when you take them to school. If your strategies do not work, please, ask for help at your child's school or preschool. When necessary, ask your pediatrician for a referral to a psychologist who is specialized in pediatric and child psychology to help you address the problem right away. There is evidence that ther sooner one addresses difficulties with anxiety, the more likely that the intervention will be successful. If you have any further questions, please, do not hesitate to send an email or call Dr. Joffe's office.