How to Help Your Child Overcome Back-to-School Anxiety: Practical Tips for Parents

Returning to school after the summer break can be anxiety-inducing for many children. Parents play a crucial role in managing this anxiety, helping their children smoothly adjust to the new school year. Here you will find practical advice and examples to help you address the challenges your child may face.

What Is Back-to-School Anxiety?

Back-to-school anxiety can stem from many factors, including academic demands, interpersonal worries, social changes, and, for some children, experiences of bullying. For example, if your child was a victim of bullying last school year, they might be anxious about reconnecting with their classmates. Another example could be changing classes or schools, where your child must adjust to new teachers and classmates.

Recognize the Signs of Anxiety

It's important to recognize the signs of anxiety in your child. These may include sudden clinginess to parents, physical complaints (such as frequent headaches or stomachaches), changes in eating and sleeping habits, and loss of interest in favorite activities. For instance, if your child frequently wakes up with a stomachache before school or suddenly expresses reluctance to play with friends, this could be a sign of anxiety.

Practical Tips for Parents

1. Acknowledge and Actively Listen

It's important to acknowledge and validate your child's feelings. Try to listen carefully to what they are telling you and validate their emotions. For example, if your child says, "I don't want to go to school; I'm scared I won't have anyone to sit with during recess," you could respond, "I understand that this worries you. Let's think together about how you can approach a classmate."

2. Familiarize Them with the School Environment

Before school starts, visit the school together, especially if it's a new one. Walk around the school or even to the entrance so that your child feels more comfortable with the environment. A good example is organizing a visit to your child's classroom so they can meet their new teacher in advance. This can reduce their anxiety on the first day.

3. Strengthen Social Connections

If your child is worried about reconnecting with friends, arrange a few playdates just before school opens. This will help your child feel more comfortable with the return and create positive feelings. For example, you can invite a classmate over to play at your home or at the park. This contact can help your child feel that they already have a support network when they return to school.

4. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

A healthy diet, adequate sleep, and exercise are key to managing anxiety. Ensure your child gets enough sleep and eats a balanced diet. For example, establish a consistent sleep schedule, gradually reducing screen time before bed. A healthy breakfast, rich in nutrients such as proteins and fruits, will give your child the energy and focus they need for the school day.

5. Reinstate Rules and Boundaries

It's important to reinstate rules and boundaries for the school year, such as bedtime and study routines. Discuss these topics with your child and agree on a plan that satisfies everyone in the family. For example, set a specific time each night for packing their school bag to avoid last-minute stress in the morning.

6. Use Role-Playing to Practice Situations

Use role-playing to practice social situations that make your child anxious. For example, if your child is worried about how to answer a teacher's question, you can play the role of the teacher and help them find the words they'll use. This practice can reduce your child's anxiety and make them feel more prepared for such situations.

7. Create a Positive Goodbye Routine

Develop a goodbye routine that makes your child feel safe and loved before they leave for school. It can be something simple, like a kiss, a hug, and a positive phrase like, "Have a great day, I'll be waiting to hear how it went this afternoon!" This routine creates stability and reduces separation anxiety.

Conclusion

Supporting your child during their return to school is crucial for reducing their anxiety and boosting their confidence. With the right approach and the necessary tools, you can help your child face the challenges of the new school year successfully. If the signs of anxiety remain intense, do not hesitate to seek help from a professional.

Sources and Additional Information

• UNICEF: Back to School: Resources for Parents
• Child Mind Institute: Helping Kids with Back-to-School Anxiety
• American Psychological Association (APA): How to Help Children Manage Fears