5 Ideas to Ease "Back to School Anxiety"

Summer is coming to a close quickly and it's Back to School time again. You see it in all the stores, you hear about it in the commercials, and you can sense the "end" is near. For some children this comes with a dose of anxiety. Not all children love getting prepared for a new school year. Not all children look forward to starting over with a new teacher and class. Many children have fears and nervousness associated with transitioning back to school.

Ways to help ease your child's anxiety:

1. Keep your own anxiety in check: Even if you don't say a word, they can feel your anxiety. If you are stressing, it's likely to rub off on your child. It can reinforce their own fears. Let them know that you trust them and that you will get through it together. Do what you need to do to ease your own anxiety, which will in turn help your child.

2. Get Familiar: One of the best ways to address fear of the unknown is to become more familiar with it. Go to the Open House or take your child with you to registration. Another possibility is to call ahead on a teacher workday, explain that your child is feeling nervous, and ask if you can bring her in to meet her teacher and see her room.

3. Have a trial run: The day before the first day of school, set the alarm. Get up and get ready, establishing the morning routine. Get everyone out the door on time, with the packed backpack. Walk to the bus stop or drive on in to school, waving as you pass it.

4. Talk: Provide a safe place to talk about fears, hopes, and joys associated with fear. Leave the judgment out of it, and allow him to share his true feelings. Having an outlet to talk about it, can relieve some of the tension. If you are unable to be this person (due to your tendency to apply pressure or get easily upset), make sure there is someone he can talk to.

5. Get help if needed: If her anxiety is extreme or lasting for a long time, seek help. A good first step is to talk to your doctor or the school guidance counselor. They can refer you in the right direction.


Related Posts:
Back to School Survival Guide for Parents of a Child Who Struggles
Anxiety in Children