With the school year coming, I hear many of my clients express that they are worried about going back to school and everything that comes along with it.
Many are worried that their teacher may not be a good match, that they may not know anyone in their classes, or they may even be switching to a new school.
Back-to-school anxiety in children can be effectively managed in a number of ways:
Normalize Their Feelings: Let them know that readjusting to school can cause anxiety. By sharing your personal stories, you can make them feel less isolated.
Establish Routines: Prior to the first day, establish a regular morning and bedtime routine. Children benefit from knowing what to expect and feeling safe.
Visit the School: Try to visit the school prior to the start of lessons. Getting them used to the surroundings can help them feel less anxious.
Practice Social Skills: Act out typical school situations, such as introducing yourself to new students or interacting with teachers. This increases social interaction confidence.
Set Goals: Assist them in establishing manageable objectives for the academic year. In order to give them a sense of success, acknowledge their development.
Encourage Expression: Give children the opportunity to discuss, write, or draw how they are feeling. They can better digest their feelings with this.
Promote Relaxation Techniques: To help them cope with overwhelming situations, teach them basic breathing techniques or mindfulness activities.
Remain Upbeat: Pay attention to the fun elements about going back to school, such meeting up with friends and picking up new skills.
Talk with Teachers: If a student is experiencing severe anxiety, let their teacher know. They can offer more assistance and comprehension.
Be Patient: Recognize that getting used to school may take some time. Throughout the adjustment, provide unwavering encouragement and support.
Effectively managing your child’s anxiety related to returning to school can be achieved by offering them structure, understanding, and encouragement. If you are unsure of where to begin, start by implementing these tips!
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