So it’s time when much-awaited summer holidays have come to an end. For me getting back to the school run is an addition to an already jam-packed routine. While I am worried about how will I manage I just noticed my 5-year-old is also a bit anxious. Upon asking she shared her worries of going back to school, about new teachers and how will be her new classroom. I recollected that this “back to school anxiety” is quite real remembering my own school days.
Here is little help for all the parents out there who are struggling to stay sane coping with this new routine.
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Signs of Back to School Anxiety:
While most of the children are excited to rejoin school some kids who are sensitive may become stressed. Here I am quoting a few examples that show a kid is stressed above average.
- Continually asking reassurances even after satisfactory assurance. You may hear questions like “Will my friends be in my class?” “Do we still get a lunch break?” “Can I call home if I have a problem?”
- Your child may suddenly complain of stomachache, headache or fatigue without any evident illness.
- Changes in sleep pattern, difficulty falling asleep and waking up worried are all symptoms of rejoining school anxiety.
- Avoiding school-related gatherings, meet-and-greet orientations and catch up with schoolfellows.
How Can Parents Help with Back To School Anxiety?
You are the most trusted person in your child’s life and they count on you. This is what necessitates your positive and wholesome approach to all the situations they find worrisome.
Acknowledge your Child’s Worries:
While you may find it tempting to divert your child’s attention from school anxiety, this creates trouble in the long run. The best way is to approach anxiety instead of avoiding it. Help your child think of small steps to curb anxiety. If she is anxious about boarding school bus to take her on a trip to bus stop few days prior to school.
Acknowledge your child’s stress and help to find ways that resolve the issue.
Practice School Routine:
You can help your child adapt better to school routine by practicing waking up early and having breakfast. Also, encourage them to show-up at meet-and-greet occasions at school. Encourage your child to take-up challenges at school and support their problem-solving approach. This will help them stay confident and collected under any circumstances.
Model Behaviours that you Appreciate:
Your kids will behave like you do! So when you are stressed about their worries remain calm. Tell yourself their behavior is because of anxiety and it will wear off in a few days. You have to model staying collected in stress and your kids will learn it automatically.
Ensure Enough Sleep:
The sudden shift from summer wake-up time to school wake-up time leads to lack of sleep. This adds to crankiness and fatigue in kids. Consider moving your kid’s wake-up time closer to school time a few weeks prior to school. Also, a daily nap after school can be helpful. Keep screens outside the bedroom.
If these symptoms do not go away in a few days and your child is consistently worried consider seeking the help of a child psychologist. A licensed mental health professional who specializes in child anxiety can be of great help.
