Is your child feeling anxious about the new school year? The transition from summer vacation to the classroom environment can be challenging for kids of all ages, but support from parents can help ease some of their worries.
We talked with Chaddock School Counselor Jennifer Stajduhar who shared valuable insights into understanding and managing back-to-school anxiety.
Understanding the Signs and Triggers of Back-to-School Anxiety
If you have a young child, Jennifer says back-to-school anxiety may manifest through physical symptoms. They may have tummy aches or maybe they don’t want to eat breakfast. They may also express reluctance to go to school or become quieter than usual.
If your child is older, anxiety may present itself as a hyper-focus on being prepared for the school year or a fixation on being accepted by their peers. They may not want to start the new school year due to fears that they may fail before they’ve even begun.
A big reason your child may have these worries? Change.
“Change is one of the biggest causes of anxiety when returning to school. New teachers. What will peers be like? My path from my classroom to the cafeteria… it could be something as small as that.”
As your child faces these changes, there are ways you can help! Here are Jennifer’s top 3 ways to support your child while going back to school this year:
1. Create a Safe Space: Parents are a child’s safe haven. Understanding where your child is mentally and emotionally about the upcoming school year can help you see where they need extra support.
This may look like checking in with your child during an after-school snack time or on your drive home from school. These moments can be used to talk with your child about the emotions they feel and explore what they’ve experienced throughout the day.
Although teens may seem more prone to reject these check-ins, they are just as important to have with them. Connecting with your older child is vital. Jennifer says they need that felt safety of knowing their family has their back as they navigate the stresses of being a teenager.
2. Establish Routines: Developing familiar routines can provide stability. For younger children, planning the morning routine, drive to school, and drop-off process can help ease anxiety. Older students may benefit from walking through their class schedule in advance.
“What will this look like? What can we expect? Because when we know those things, it helps us reduce those feelings and worries so that we can be brave and move forward,” Jennifer says.
Jennifer also recommends re-establishing bed-time routines and boundaries with screen time in the weeks before school starts to help get your child ready for the year.
3. Open Conversations: Start discussions by being curious with your child. Jennifer says using “I wonder” phrases like “I wonder what your lunchroom will be like?” or “I wonder what your new teacher will be like?” can prompt children to express their concerns.
Jennifer says, “Working with your child to identify those things, instead of sometimes assuming, makes all the difference because they connect with you, they feel supported, and they feel that you have their back moving into that new school year.”
When to Seek Additional Help
While some anxiety is typical, it’s essential to recognize when it becomes a more significant concern. Jennifer says if the problems aren’t resolved after giving your support and having conversations with your child, seek support from school resources or consult with your primary care physician.
If your child experiences back-to-school anxiety this year, the right strategies and support can help ease these transitions. Remember, to stay curious.
Jennifer says, “I think it’s important to take the time to learn about your child at each stage, because I think we’re always learning about them. “
By staying attuned to your child’s needs, maintaining open communication, and building a supportive environment, you can help your child navigate back-to-school anxiety and set the stage for a successful school year.
