Your teen may act “too cool for school,” but the truth is that school is a major source of stress for teens.

According to a survey by kidshealth.org of more than 600 teens ages 14 to 17, schoolwork (32 percent), social issues (30 percent) and appearance (25 percent) topped the list of back-to-school worries most cited by teens. Though these issues are complex, there are steps you can take to reduce your child’s (and your own) stress level and enjoy a new start.

Manage the transition by attacking stressors head on.

¢ Balance extracurricular activities and even “down time” with your teen’s study schedule.

¢ Make sure your teen is sleeping enough. The American Sleep Disorder Association says the average teen needs 9.5 hours per day. Weekend sleep schedules shouldn’t deviate by more than one or two hours to maintain consistency.

¢ Eat breakfast. According to the American Dietetic Association, eating breakfast can upstart your teen’s metabolism, which helps with weight control, mood and school performance.

¢ Set goals relative to your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Unrealistic expectations will increase anxiety and may lead to giving up.

¢ Have your teen take a learning style test to find the most effective way for him or her to study: http://homeworktips.about.com/od/homeworkhelp/a/lstyleqz.htm

¢ Play host to study groups at your home (with food) to foster friendships from casual class acquaintances and improve academics.

¢ When it comes to style, choose a few key pieces from fashion magazines with your teen. Make those the priority pieces and build around them with secondhand or consignment store finds.

¢ If your teen is craving a trendy haircut, find a styling school to get a high-end cut for less. Use an online virtual makeover tool to select a style first, without the commitment (www.makeovers.ivillage.com is one example).

¢ Reserve some budget for the unanticipated hot trends seen roaming the halls once school starts.