Curbing Back-to-School Stress
Keep Back-to-School Stress in Check
by Sharon Fu, Seeds of Hope Counseling
A new school year comes with new supplies, maybe a fresh wardrobe, new faces and sometimes a new place. The transition back to class as summer ends can be an exciting time, but sometimes changes can bring on anxiety for students, parents and teachers. I will be focusing on tips to help young students adjust to the new school year and steps to take if the problems persist.
Tips to Ease Your Child’s Back-to-School Anxiety
Prepare: A week or two before school, start preparing children for the upcoming transition by resuming school-year routines, such as setting a realistic bedtime and selecting tomorrow’s clothes.
Connect: Arrange a hang-out with one or more familiar peers before school starts. Research shows that the presence of a familiar peer during school transitions can improve children’s academic and emotional adjustment.
Preview: Visit the school before the school year begins, rehearse the drop-off and spend time on the playground or inside the classroom if the building is open. Have your child practice walking into class while you wait outside or down the hall.
Incentivize: Come up with a prize or a rewarding activity that the child could earn for separating from mom or dad to attend school.
Validate: Acknowledge that, like any new activity, starting school can be hard but soon becomes easy and fun.
Source: hopkinsmedicine.org
When to Consider Consulting a Professional
If after the first month or so, your child continues to exhibit stress and anxiety around school that is not improving or if their symptoms are worsening, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional. They will be able to help understand the child’s symptoms and work together on resolving them.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one treatment in particular that teaches the child and parent skills to address and confront anxiety.
