The start of a new school year often creates anxiety, especially for younger children. After spending a good deal of the last school year working remotely due to the pandemic, anxiety is expected to be running much higher than normal when classes start this fall. To help children transition back to school, K-State Research and Extension child development specialist Bradford Wiles encourages parents and caregivers to talk to them about how they feel and to let them know that it’s normal to have apprehension, uncertainty – and even some fear – about returning to the classroom.

Sound Living is a weekly public affairs program addressing issues related to families and consumers. It is hosted by Jeff Wichman. Each episode shares the expertise of K-State specialists in fields such as child nutrition, food safety, adult development and aging, youth development, family resource management, physical fitness and more.

Send comments, questions or requests for copies of past programs to [email protected].

K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan.