Back to school mode is upon us. For some kids, this is an exciting time of sports, activities, and time with friends. For so many others, this is an anxiety filled time with worries and nerves. There are ways to help kids ease their anxiety when heading back to school.
How is Your Stress?
Before attempting to intervene on your child’s behalf, look inside yourself. How is your anxiety about returning to school? How is your stress level when you think about added timelines, bus stops, pick ups, drop offs, homework, activities, studying, quick breakfasts, backed lunches and rushed dinners?
Are you staying in the moment or are you thinking/planning/dreading what is to come? It’s important not to overcommit yourself. Don’t add more to your schedule than you can comfortably manage. Your kids will pick up on your anxiety and feel it too.
Validate School Anxiety in Kids
Validating worries and concerns is just as important in kids as it is in adults. No one wants to have their feelings dismissed. If your child is feeling nervous, it’s okay! Let your child know that it’s okay to be nervous about returning to school. Lots of kids are nervous! They are not alone in their feelings.
You can help ease your child’s worries by sharing how you have been nervous about a new experience in the past. You want to support your child without adding to their worry. Instead of asking “Are you worried you won’t have anyone to sit with on the bus?” you could stay “Who do you think will be riding the bus this year?” If you open a conversation lightly, your child may be more willing to talk to you about his/her feelings.
If your child does share with you, you may be able to work through a solution together. If you child is nervous about not knowing anyone on the bus, help him/her walk through what that will look like. Together you can brainstorm a solution.
Children aren’t always looking for you to “fix” their problems. They may want to talk. Be an active listener. If you’re unsure of whether your child wants to talk or is asking for help problem solving, it’s okay to ask.
Mindfulness in Kids
Anxiety about the unknown is common in kids, as well as adults. Changes in home life, schools, classes, teachers, and friends coming and going can add to your child’s anxiety.
Reiterate to your child that it’s okay to be nervous. It’s okay to feel nervous and excited. It happens to so many of us! They are not alone in how they feel.
Mindfulness is a great tool to have in life. Teaching mindfulness helps kids stay in the present moment. It can help quiet a loud, busy or racing mind.
Continued School Anxiety in Kids
Most kids experience some form of anxiety when returning to school. If your child is complaining of physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches, you may want to talk to the pediatrician to rule out a physical problem.
Anxiety that goes unchecked can lead to disrupted sleep, changes in eating, changes in mood, outbursts, refusal to attend school, as well as physical symptoms (including headaches and stomachaches).
If you notice any of these, talk to your child’s teacher about any problems in school.
If you feel your child is suffering from anxiety or is having problems at school, counseling can help. The sooner your child get’s treatment, the sooner he/she will start to feel better.
Take the first step and call us at (724) 503-6670. If you have any questions or would like to get to know us a little better, you can email us at admin@inthenowcounseling.org.
